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SALT LAKE CITY -- Easter weekend is the traditional kickoff of the off-highway vehicle season, and a lot of places in Utah will be packed. Among them, Little Sahara in Juab County and the Knolls in the West Desert of Tooele County.
Nearly every year, someone gets seriously hurt -- or dies -- after an accident riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes.
This year, like in years past, park rangers want everyone to be as safe as possible. That means helmets, other protective gear and flags on their OHVs.
Most people know when they're being unsafe on an OHV. Even though some riders love to rev it up and go fast, everyone needs to be careful what's around them and especially be on the lookout for other riders.
• Ride only in areas designated as open to OHVs - stay on trails
• Ride on the right side of the road and in single file
• Be alert to oncoming traffic, especially on blind curves or in dips and crests of hills
• A red or orange "whip flag" must be attached to OHVs when riding in sand dune areas
-Utah State Parks
"You've got to be thinking ahead. We call it ‘Know before you go,'" said Ranger Eric Stucki with the Utah State Parks. "You need to make a plan and you need to know what you can do and what your machine can do when you're out there. And also, there are certain machines meant for sand and certain machines not for sand, but they're more for the mountains or trails areas."
And if you see someone who is being reckless or riding unsafe, Stucki says it's OK to call 911 or try and find a ranger to report that dangerous person.
Most importantly, remember riding OHVs is supposed to be fun.
Just don't forget to be safe.
E-mail: acabrero@ksl.com
