Alcohol on the Off-Road Trail: Still a Major No-No

With the BLM and other forces shutting down so many of the trails we love to use, why would anyone drink on them, and risk further limitation? The answer is selfishness, pure and simple. You don't have to "Go Green", but please, stay sober on the trail.

You drink beer. I understand - I really do. I also drink beer and love going off-road in my four-wheel drive rig. However, it is just something that should not be done together. Wheel during the day, and then swap stories with your buddies back at camp with a few beers.

Maybe you think it is okay to drink on the trail, because you are not on the road where things can really go wrong. This is incorrect thinking, and those who think otherwise will do well to talk to some of the veterans of the sport. They have all been there, and have seen a lot more action than the drinking greenhorns.

Of course, not everyone who drinks on the trail is a newbie, and that is just sad. After a few years of drive experience, you should get the hint that drinking beers while trying to traverse nasty terrain in four-low isn't the best idea. Not only can the vehicle become damaged due to impaired judgment, people can get hurt, as well.

Aside from the danger aspect, it is 100% illegal to drink just about anywhere while operating a motor vehicle, and that includes sanctioned trails. If a Ranger sees you pounding a beer while on the trail, all the laws of the highway can be applied, and receiving a DUI and open container citations is not uncommon.

Trust me here; I'm not trying to be a wet blanket. There have been many times in my off-road experience that I found myself wheeling while less than sober. I am not proud of it, and I will not do it today. My rig has become damaged in several ways while under the influence.

Off-road trails includes sand dunes and mud pits, too. In fact, being drunk behind the wheel in these situations may be more dangerous than a technical trail, because speed is involved, and it is well known that our reflexes are diminished when under the influence of drugs or booze.

By all means, get wasted and rowdy around the campfire or in the cabin after you are done wheeling. This is good, clean fun, and for many of us, it is a part of the entire off-road experience. But after a few beers or shots have gone down, give the keys to a friend, don't be a fool.