Ah yes!  Dune season is finally upon those who live in the Western US, and duners will be out in full force from Thanksgiving weekend in November through the warmest days of Spring.  As hundreds of thousands of off-road enthusiasts converge on popular riding areas such as Glamis Dunes and Dumont, there is potential for a lot of fun to be had.  However, with that fun also comes the potential for accidents and injuries, so we have compiled a list of our "Top 5 Safety Tips" for a safe and fun duning experience.

1. Wear Proper Gear

We preach this on a regular basis, and we aren't going to stop now!  Wearing the proper safety gear for the vehicle you are riding or driving is an easy, yet important, safety precaution to take - and, by this we mean wear a helmet!  Wearing a helmet is state law in most riding areas, but even if it's not, it's the bare minimum when it comes to safety gear, and it could absolutely save your life or the life of someone you care about.  

In addition to a helmet (don't forget goggles!), if you are riding an ATV, riding boots are a great investment and can definitely save your ankles, calves or feet.  Gloves will help reduce blisters and also protect your hands from stinging sand, as well as help keep your hands warm in the colder months.

If UTVs are your thing, helmets are still the best way to protect your head as well as your passengers,   along with good shoes for driving, and protective clothing that will help shield you from the elements such as blowing sand, sun, or cold weather.

2. Be Visible

Anything you can do to stand out and be easily seen in the dunes is a good thing.  Safety flags (or whips, as we call them) are not only the law in most areas, but they are a great way to let oncoming traffic know that there is a quad or UTV in the area.  Be sure your flag is at the proper legal height and secured well, as having your flag fall off halfway through a ride can be dangerous on a crowded weekend.  

If you are riding at night, headlights and tail lights are important to see and be seen, but a lighted whip is also a great way to warn other drivers of your presence.  With the deep dips and holes in the dunes, it is common to have headlights disappear and reappear suddenly directly in front of you - a lighted whip can add seconds to the time necessary to react in a head-on situation.

3. Don't Drink and Ride

This may seem like a "no-brainer" to some people, but drinking and riding/driving in the dunes is a huge problem.  Riding in the dunes safely requires 100% of your attention, ALL of the time.  If you are impaired at all, your risk of getting hurt or hurting someone increases exponentially.  Yes, it is illegal, and if you get caught you will go to jail, but beyond that, it's just responsible riding to put the keys away and park the toys when the alcohol is going to come out.

4. Stay Alert

Situational awareness is key when riding in the dunes.  Being aware, constantly, of your surroundings will help you to avoid trouble spots in the dunes as well as other riders who may not be paying quite as much attention.  

Drop-offs and witches eyes (sudden holes in the sand) abound in the dunes, and they can appear at anytime in front of you.  Making sure you ride when you can see shadows and your visibility is good is important - if it's cloudy or high noon, be extra careful and attentive when riding.  Keep your speed prudent with your visibility.

Being aware of any other traffic around you is also important.  When passing riders in a line, many times there are stragglers you may not see, so be careful when continuing past.  If there is traffic in a bowl next to you, be aware of their lines in case they decide to merge into your direction of travel.  

5. Don't Ride Alone

Many times when we hear of someone getting into serious trouble in the dunes, it happened when they were riding alone and there was no one with them who could get help.  Riding with a partner or a group is highly suggested when exploring the dunes, and can mean the difference between life and death should the unexpected happen.  

At the very least, if you must go out alone, take a cell phone and be sure someone knows where you are going, which way you will take to get there, and when to expect you back.  If you are new to the dunes, or don't know the area, then it is even more crucial that you ride with someone who does.

The dunes are a highly addicting and beautiful place to ride.  There truly is nothing quite like carving bowls and shooting hills all day with your friends in the vast miles of bare sand.  However, the dunes can also be dangerous, and they demand respect and a clear head at all times.  By riding smart, following some basic safety rules and being well prepared, you can make great memories for years to come.