Vehicle Recovery Safety
Greetings everyone,
This summer the riders on a club ride accomplished a successful UTV recovery. This was a great example of effective teamwork.
After reviewing this successful recovery, there are a few important reminders that should be emphasized.
First, be aware of the location and routing of ALL recovery straps, ropes and cables (recovery system). Make sure you maintain a safe distance in case the recovery system breaks or suddenly repositions. The following video shows what can happened when one's attention is not focused on the recovery system and failing to maintain a safe distance. Fortunately, this "reminder" didn't cause any injury.
Vehicle Recovery Safety
Second, it is critical to keep your recovery gear in proper and safe condition. During this recovery, a wire winch rope started to part. Had this malfunction not been discovered and the winching stopped, this could have resulted in injury or further damage. It is recommended you routinely inspect all of your recovery gear and especially after each recovery event.
The following are a few YouTube videos that show just how much potential energy is in a cable/rope under tension and the damage that can happen when a recovery system fails. The third video shows recommended ways to safely use various recovery gear.
Please note, the North Idaho ATV club does not prefer or recommend any specific recovery gear or recovery gear manufacturer. It is strongly recommended that you routinely inspect your recovery gear, especially after it is used, and that you keep your recovery gear in safe condition.
Here is a link to Warn Winches Powersports Basic Guide to Winching
Testing Mass Damage By Snapping Winch Cables
The Off-Road Recovery That Almost Killed Me!
I've Used My Off Road Recovery Gear WRONG. Have You?