In addition to all the cool kits and pieces of gear that we can take along for safety, I think knowledge is the best thing to have. That and the ability to both stay calm, and then take action when prudent.
NWOL is great about sharing knowledge. There are people coming into Overlanding at an extraordinary pace. This means a lot of people with minimal experience and knowledge but great enthusiasm.
Check for classes - the Northwest Overland Rally is a fine place to take some GREAT classes that will enhance safety.
Our friends at Defenders Northwest host classes re vital skills.
On our recent trip to Douglas Creek, we had an unplanned winching session. Much learning was done re winching, traction boards, recovery straps and more!
Those with knowledge and experience, pass that on! Even gray-haired old guys like me have much to learn.
Perhaps we can add to this thread and share info, to help others be safe?
Safety around camp is one area I think where safety with knives, axes, saws and fire can never be taken too seriously.
Speaking about vehicle safety, I know I am bad when it comes to wearing my seat belt off road. I personally dont like wearing one at all, but off road is every bit as important as on road. Make sure all passengers are in and buckled before even starting the engine is another area I'm guilty of not observing enough.
As Guy mentioned, vehicle inspection and general maintenance are one area too often overlooked.
When traveling in a group, keep enough distance between rigs that you can watch their line of travel and make adjustments as necessary.
Also, make sure you can always see the vehicle in front as well as the one behind!
Good point bringing up the line dampers. I've been all too lax lately about using them because I use the holy savior of winching synthetic line...which is great if the line breaks. If a steel connection or anchor breaks though, there's still a bunch of newly kinetic energy coming at you.
I use a floor mat. They're always in the truck so I don't have to carry anything extra. I have a spring clamp that lives in the door pocket next to my winch remote to clip it to the line so it can't fall off too.
I couldn't agree with Guy more! This past weekend on the Douglas creek trip, much great information was shared by many. Both verbally and as Guy said just by watching with open ears, eyes and above all, an open mind. If someone sees anything you might need assistance with, even when you dont realize you need that kind word of advice and coaching, listen with an open mind. They are doing it for your safety and as a friend to be helpful. This last trip was a fun run, but an honest experience in TEAM building.
The upcoming overland rally will have several classes and seminars for the beginning driver as well as the more experienced to learn from.
Guy said it best when he said even us old gray haired guys (or in my case, NO hair LOL) with many miles and years behind the wheel can still learn new and better ways of doing things.
When in doubt, never be afraid to ask if you don't know or when something seems not quite right. Better to be safely informed than to jump ahead and be sorry!
I've always said when I'm done learning, it's time to bury me!
Some of it sounds so basic, but these are actual situations I've encountered, and helped with. Don't be afraid to ask:
"How do I put my truck in 4 wheel drive?"
"How do I put my truck in low range?"
"How do I downshift an automatic transmission?"
"Why should I air down?"
"My tire chains don't fit."
Please stand on the uphill side of a vehicle having trouble. Much safer above the vehicle than below.
Then there is the whole issue of winching. Winches are not just important, they can be vital. However, they're also dangerous as all get out! This short blurb isn't meant to be everything to know about winches, just some safety-oriented thoughts:
Be very careful near the winch spool. The cable/rope can trap and badly damage a hand. Keep loose clothing free of the cable and the fairlead.
Use a "damper" particularly on steel winch cable. If the cable breaks, it can whip back with tremendous force and speed. A commercial damper, or even carpet, or heavy clothing, can slow the cable, keeping nearby people safer.
Maintain your winch! Winching is dangerous enough without having to cope with a winch that doesn't work well, or a cable or rope that is worn.
I'm sure there are many more safety bits to be added to this discussion, and this area of our NWOL website! Feel free to contribute.