KEEP IT SAFE
The side-by-side phenomenon is new enough that there are no official safety tips available. So we asked Corry Weller, contributing editor for ATV Illustrated Magazine, for her rules for dunes.

1. Buckle up! All side-by-sides come with factory seat belts. Even if it's just going to be a short ride around camp, accidents can happen -- so buckle up first thing. Many owners take safety one step further, installing 4- or 5-point harnesses. This not only makes everyone safer in the event of rollover, it makes duning more comfortable.

2. Wear a helmet -- even if you're strapped in.

3. Go straight up and straight down. Side-by-sides are not quads; they have a much higher center of gravity (especially the four-seaters) and can tip and roll more easily. When going through the dunes, it's always best to follow along the dune ridge, using the mellow sides of the dunes to go up and down. If you must go through the bigger, steeper dunes, go as straight up and down as possible. Unless you are an experienced duner, traversing across a steep face is dangerous and can result in rollover. If you find yourself stuck while trying to climb a dune, immediately stop and back down slowly, making sure to keep your vehicle from turning sideways until you are at the bottom.

4. Arms and legs in! This is extremely important. Most side-by-sides now come with some type of leg restraint nets or side doors to aid in the safety of the occupants, as well as handles or handholds for the passenger. Don't pimp them out of your ride.

5. You must have a safety flag. It is the law for any vehicle driving in the sand dunes at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area to be equipped with a bright orange or red safety flag (called a "whip"). It should be a minimum of 8 feet off of the ground to be legal and safe. One of the most dangerous situations -- cresting a dune as another vehicle comes up the other side -- can be easily avoided by flags offering advance warning.

6. Never go out alone. This is the rule of the dunes. If it's your first trip, go with someone who can teach you to maneuver in this unique environment. But even if you're experienced, going out with another side-by-side is recommended. In the event you hit a hole (witch's eye) and break your suspension, or have motor or belt problems, you'll need a tow home.

7. As with any driving, don't do it under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

8. Always expect the unexpected. Respect the dunes, which can change at any moment. Treat every trip out as if it's your first.

Good read. It is very rare to read a story in a mainstream paper where the author doesn't sound like a blithering idiot when wrting about off-road activities. She seems to know a bit about the machines, or has a great editor who does. . .

I didn't write it!! I just gave Sue some safety pointers....she did all that - she did a great job! Said she had alot of fun at the dunes, too - said she would like to take her son out there sometime!

Woo Hoo -

After reading this - I had sent in an email to Susan Carpenter to thank her for the article... She forwarded it to her editor - and he sent me an email asking if he could print up what I wrote! I was like Hells Yeah - well only a small blurb of my email was printed... It ran on the 24th although I just saw it today.

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Corey's Hot

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Corey's Hot

Woo Hoo -

After reading this - I had sent in an email to Susan Carpenter to thank her for the article... She forwarded it to her editor - and he sent me an email asking if he could print up what I wrote! I was like Hells Yeah - well only a small blurb of my email was printed... It ran on the 24th although I just saw it today.

Look at Off Road, On Target

What?

You guys are killing me!! LOL!!