The Arizona State Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc., has been in the process of developing an off-highway vehicle (OHV) Safety Education Program since its early beginning. Only in recent years has the pressing need of a comprehensive off-highway vehicle safety education program become so imperative. Four wheelers have a special responsibility to care for our environment. Increasing demands are being made on public lands and, in the face of continuing access restrictions, it is essential that all OHV travel/usage is undertaken with as much care as possible with minimum impact on the environment.
One of the easiest ways to protect the roads and trails we tour, is to be aware of the abilities of our vehicles and the correct driving techniques to negotiate different types of terrains.
During the Eighties, off-highway vehicular recreation was one of our Nation's fastest-growing sports. Sales of 4x4 vehicles, ATVs and dirt bikes mushroomed, and many other outdoor recreationalists used off-highway vehicles to pursue related sports such as hunting, fishing, and camping.
Because of the proliferation of off-highway vehicles, the damage being done to the environment has also become much more extensive. Many drivers are not intentionally causing environmental damage but are unaware of how to minimize or eliminate OHV damage. The 4WD vehicle causes minimal environmental damage. However, when you combine a 4WD vehicle with an irresponsible and unknowledgeable driver, the potential for damage is substantial.
More efforts are needed to present a positive OHV image to the public and to land management agencies. The creation of such an image will require off-highway vehicle users to be educated and aware of safety, environmental ethics and land management regulations. We must find new ways to teach and inform all OHV recreationists, as well as other outdoor recreation participants, about safe and responsible off-highway vehicle use. We all share a fundamental moral obligation to care for our valuable resources and to spread the Tread Lightly! message.
Additionally, we stand to lose greatly if we do not take every step to make OHV recreation and other outdoor activities ecologically responsible. Continued abuse will lead to further land closures, restrictions, and to an increasing negative shift in the public's perception. A bad image will result in further limitations to recreational access.