The Southwest Voice

By: Courtesy of the Kern County Sheriff’s Office

The Kern County Sheriff’s Off-Highway Vehicle Team (OHV) conducted off-highway vehicle enforcement in eastern Kern County during the new year’s holiday weekend. There were regular patrols in Jawbone Canyon, Doves Springs and Randsburg. A Sheriff’s OHV Command Post was staged with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Dove Springs on trail SC94 off of Highway 14.

With the off-road riding season beginning the sheriff’s office wants to remind the community to ride smart and ride safe. Only ride in legal open riding areas or on designated trails.  Always wear proper safety equipment for the type of vehicle you are operating.  At a minimum we recommend wearing gloves, goggles, protective clothing such as long sleeve shirt, pants and boots. ATV riders are required to wear a helmet and all riders should wear a safety helmet. Riders also benefit from wearing chest protectors, shoulder and shin guards as well as knee, hip and elbow pads.

Some additional off-road safety tips:

• Pack fresh water, food, extra clothing (emergency blanket) and a map of the area. If your vehicle breaks down, you may need to wait for rescue until after dark.

• Take along spare parts for your vehicle. Some research is a good idea here as each type of off road experience might require something different, but a good tow rope is usually a good idea for every type of off-road vehicle.

• Don’t go alone. Group events are more than just fun, they provide extra safety by traveling in a group. If you and your family are traveling together in one vehicle alone for the day, tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

• When riding your motorcycle, ATV or 4X4 vehicle, let your fellow campers know what your ride plan is.

• If you do breakdown, stay with your vehicle. You’ll be easier to spot during a rescue search. If you have let others know the area where you are going and your timetable, they will know when and where to search for you.

• Don’t ride over your ability and remember that children under 16 must be supervised by a parent or adult. Parents should be properly trained in ATV use before allowing their children to ride.

• Following rules and regulations could protect you and your family from serious injury. Read your owner’s manual and safety information handbook. Research the off-road area you choose before you plan your trip.

• Don’t drink and drive. Be smart, be safe.