The BC Forest Safety Council has produced a video providing recreational resource road users with a safety orientation video. At just over 10 minutes long, the video is educational, sobering and a valuable resource.
Work Here, Play Here, Stay Safe Here key messages
Loaded logging trucks often fill the entire road, as Forest Service Roads (Resource Roads) are not built to the same standards as highways, roads and streets. This is why Resource Roads have pull-outs, to allow traffic to safely pass each other.
Without a legal, properly programmed resource road radio, you will not know when a logging truck is coming around the corner towards you, and you may be unable to get out of the way in time.
Loaded logging trucks take a long time to stop, due to their size and the weight of their loads.
You can rent fully programmed radios in nearly every community for a small fee, or you can get your own radio and use 4WDABC’s dedicated channel (sign up available to clubs). 4WDABC has put together some fantastic resources about backcountry communications.
Look for radio calling directions at the start of a resource road and at intersections. Different roads have different radio protocols.
If you don’t have a resource road radio STOP at the beginning of the road and pull in behind an industrial vehicle. They will call up/down for you. Pull over when they pull over.
Forest Service Road conditions can change rapidly – watch for soft spots, washouts, downed trees.
Drive to road conditions – if it isn’t safe to go the speed limit, go slower.
Always drive with your headlights on so you are visible in dust conditions.
The BC Forest Safety has created two fantastic brochures, “Resource Road User Safety Guide” and “Using ORVs on Resource Roads” and has provided permission for ATVBC and its clubs and members to share them.
