Something got me thinking, I know it doesn't happen often, but can someone that can actually use maps mark the spots (apx) of all the major accidents this year in the dunes. I know most are near a Sand Highway where cross traffic is occuring. but I want to make sure I slow down even more and be more aware in those areas in the future. Aslo I would think if certain areas are more prone to this, it would be reasonable to start passing out flyers that show this, that education would work. For example if the area outside of Gecko Loop is prone to 50% of the deaths, I certainly would avoid that area!

I've seen more accidents on the 86, 60, 15, and 10 than in the dunes..

Great point!

Good point JD

alxcook, seems like the majority of incidents occur where there should be a speed limit enforced (near camps, within so many feet of the highway, tracks, gecko road, etc.). Not that I want to see the BLM or ICSO out with radar guns pulling people over for doing 18 in a 15... but the asshat doing wheelies at 85 mph on gecko flats may need a talking to...

I agree, but when you see multiple crosses on the side of the road, don't you think twice about whether your driving too fast? Go drive on an Indian reservation, there are crosses every 100 ft it seems, I certainly drive more aware and slower. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see crosses all over the dunes.

If Wash 10 (or insert any area) had 3 out of the 9 deaths occurr around that area, would you still camp or ride near there? I certainly wouldn't...

I agree, but if you walked up to that idiot doing those wheelies with a flyer stating that 2 people were killed in this area last season doing the same thing, wouldn't you think he would think twice about it?

Giving tickets is not the answer, we all think the law enforcement is a joke and they are there to aliegnate us, not educate us. Remember when you were 16 years old and you thought you knew everything, your Parents and Cops were idiots, you knew it all? If my buddy walked up to me with information on how and where people died in the dunes, and I was in that area doing the same thing, I would take a minute to reflect, I would hope most people would?

All 16 years olds are bullet proof.. Just a fact.. until they crash.. Sad but true..

Let's narrow this down a bit, the accidents we need to educate people on are the Multiple vehicle accidents (Buggy vs Quad). I can't recall a time another buggy has cut me off while I was driving my buggy or when was the last time two buggies collided (maybe at OLDS). Quads and MC riders where helmets and I think they just aren't as aware of other riders/drivers as someone driving a buggy. Why? I don't know if it is the Helmet, concentrating on the terrain more, no rear view mirrors, but either way they don't see the buggies. Obviously buggies aren't seeing them quickly enough with these accidents either, but the one with the biggest tires, most lugnuts always make out better in these accidents. So we need to educate both Riders and Drivers of heavy use areas that these accidents are more likely to occur.

Most buggy owners at Glamis only go to the dunes, while Quads and MC riders might go to Dove Spring or Octillo many times a year, the conditions are very different when it comes to terrian and traffic. Most of those other areas have trails that people ride two ways on, not as much of a cross-traffic situation. We all need education and this could help, that is all I am thinking. No new laws and no new enforcement needed, self education!

Don't forget to throw alcohol into the equation as well.

It certainly doesn't help in any motor vehicle situation.

Well, I don't know how scientific it is but I've always avoided the following places because I've just felt unsafe...

All the "roads"
Wash Road
Sand Highway
Area around all of Gecko
Road from Sand Highway to Olds <--- this one is particularly dangerous.

In addition to that I also make myself extra aware while traveling on the flats through the trees because of the possibility of cross traffic.
Many people like to open it up through here because it's flat and smooth.

Another place to pay special attention is while crossing any wash. I mean the actual washout that has the trees and the deep gravel. Many people travel these routes and there are usually many trees blocking your view.

And anytime there are people around. ANYTIME. This means at all hills, at the drags, around any group who may be stopped in the dunes, anytime you see people you have to make yourself extra aware of your surroundings and take precautions. There may be kids playing in the sand near parked buggies, or someone may be taking a leak 50' away from that group on a beer break.

I think it would be nice to have a review of where the accidents have been. Most all that I can remember were on or near the 'roads'. Even before Christmas this year, I had decided that my teenagers were not allowed on the roads anymore, unless they were with us. Now I will also be avoiding the roads, because I just do not feel it is safe. Even if I am riding my quad at a safe speed, there are others who are not. And, I am embarrassed to say, I am sure I have gone over 15 mph on the road myself.


Annette

I too think a refresher would be good right now. Everyone needs to reminded of the specifics, especially during the hot debate going on about the ICBOS and what to do, because now is the time.....

Damn Brian, you hit ALL the spots that really get my attention.
I'm always on high alert through these areas.

When I lead an am out in the dunes and our group crosses paths with another group I always flash the leader of the other group how many vehicles are behind me... 4 fingers for four rigs behind me etc. etc. I learned this desert riding many years ago.

Unfortunatly most of the leaders of the other groups think I am waving at them and wave back... go figure. I believe that if most leaders do this, it will catch on and while it might not be the ultimate answer, I believe that it is step in the right direction.

Sounds like the closure is the only safe place to ride.

alxcook,
You have read my mind! I can't name one death this year involving a rail vs rider that was actually in the dunes. Correct me if Im wrong please.there might be I just cant remember hearing of one.

JD,
Maybey 100 rails and quads pass through a certain area of Glamis in an hour.
10,000 cars pass through an area of a freeway in an hour. By your logic there should be 100 times the deaths on the freeway streatch. Statistically an area of freeway is safer than Glamis . Maybey not a scientific example but you get the point.

They were before they closed too.

True enough.. Density counts..

At olds, girls were pulling tops off, and I allmost hit a jeep..

JD you never seize to amaze me.