5 Tips for Driving on Unpaved Roads

Drivers who venture onto unpaved roads sometimes encounter hazards. Mishaps while travelling on dirt roads may eventually require a customer to request towing assistance. Fortunately, our company responds quickly to these types of roadside emergencies. Yet everyone agrees, preventing problems during roadless travel offers a better solution!

Although this tip appears simple, it might help you avoid costly problems during roadless travel or trips along gravel-filled country lanes. Always ensure you maintain tires suited for the types of terrain your vehicle crosses. Many unpaved roads receive considerably less regular maintenance than asphalt-covered roadways. This situation sometimes permits potentially treacherous debris to wear down tire treads. Fallen branches, rocks, and even litter may contribute to tire damage along these routes. Avoid venturing across these surfaces with heavily worn tire treads whenever possible.

Particularly when travelling an extended distance from home along an unpaved surface, it generally makes sense to carry along a cell phone (or to maintain a satellite radio service such as OnStar in your vehicle). If you do encounter unexpected problems, you'll have a quick way to summon roadside assistance. Unfortunately, traffic accidents do sometimes occur in remote locations. Even if you drive safely, you may encounter situations in which you'll need to request emergency services for others.

One of the most important tips for driving on unpaved or gravel surfaces involves reducing your vehicle's speed. Drive slow to avoid unexpected surprises. Wet or icy gravel roadways sometimes contain ruts or sections of uneven aggregates. A driver who attempts to speed across these surfaces might easily lose control of the vehicle. Many unpaved roadways lack wide road sides, and cars or trucks sometimes slide off the thoroughfare into adjoining ditches or underbrush. Similarly, avoid sudden changes in direction to help maintain control over your vehicle. Unless you possess familiarity with the area's surface conditions, attempting to turn around on a narrow roadway proves challenging.

 

4: Consider Alternative Routes During Inclement Weather

 

In some circumstances, drivers should refrain from travelling on dirt roads when possible during periods of heavy rain, snow, or ice storms. Driving a little further over a well-paved surface usually provides a safer alternative. For instance, blizzard conditions sometimes cause cars to run off well-maintained blacktops; the same situation occurs on dirt or gravel roadways, too. Unfortunately, in many rural areas snow plows visit these locations infrequently. Drivers may not see the road clearly and they remain at high risk of driving into fences or other snow-covered obstructions.

5: Beware Mud

 

Also consider the status of water runoff conditions in your area. Even on sunny days, extensive snow melts can create muddy tracks. If your tires get stuck in a mud slick, ease the vehicle out very slowly. Use kitty litter for traction. Rapidly spinning tires only contribute to deeper holes!