IT ONLY TAKES A SECOND: THE #1 MISTAKE ON THE TRAIL

It just takes a second.

The phrase I hear every single time, right before the winch line comes out is "I only took my eyes off the trail for a SECOND."

Four times now, whether it was myself or clients on a tour, someone took their eyes off the trail for "just a second" and wound up in real trouble. In every case, it meant a full winching operation to pull a rig back onto the road because it was either high-centered on a boulder or about to slide down a steep, loose embankment.

In a time where everyone has a smartphone in their hand, this is a friendly reminder to all of us: keeping your eyes on the trail is the single most important thing you do behind the wheel.

"Getting the shot" or checking a notification is never worth driving off the edge of a shelf road or ruining a trip with a frame-bending mistake...or worse.

I'm guilty of this too! But have learned my lesson.

If you want photos or video of a tricky section, stop the vehicle, put it in park, set the brake, and get out. Otherwise, keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes focused on the trail ahead.

That's all I'm going to say on it. Stay safe out there!