How to Drive on a Dirt Road

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By momose
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Dirt Road Seemingly Bound for Nowhere

While dirt roads are still prevalent in many remote areas of the world, here in the US they are a disappearing and in many ways still charming bit of Americana.

If you are traveling in or perhaps moving to a rural area of the country chances are that at some point you will drive on a dirt road. You may find it a daunting proposition, particularly in inclement weather. When muddy a dirt road can be a little like driving in snow.

A dirt road can ramble, twist and turn. Surroundings can be vast fields or looming woods. You may sometimes feel as if you are driving to nowhere, or to places where wild things lurk.

What are some things that can help you navigate the ruts and slippery slopes of a dirt road?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Check your vehicle and tires to see that they are in good condition.

You don’t want to run out of gas or experience a breakdown or a flat tire way out on a desolate dirt road.
Step 2

This hill welcomes you on a sunny day, but can be a slippery slope!

If you anticipate that you will be driving on a dirt road and you have some apprehension, try to take an advance drive on a day that is sunny and dry, with the road conditions at their best.
Step 3

Whether on your pre-check drive or while driving in bad weather, take note of the surface of the road.

Consider what the surface might be like if it were wet and rainy. If the road is red clay it could be very slippery when wet. If it is deep sand it can possibly become boggy. Are there deep ditches to either side, with perhaps precipitous slopes?
Step 4

Check for cell phone reception or the presence of houses or farms as you proceed.

Reassure yourself that in the case of an emergency situation you could contact someone for assistance. *Notice I did not say “rescue.” It really is not that bad!
Step 5

Slippery mud and ruts

If you find yourself driving on a muddy and slippery dirt road, during or after a heavy rain, try to drive in the existing ruts.

These ruts created by previous vehicles driving through are deeper than the outer edges of the road’s surface. This can make for a more easily maneuverable path and help to keep you from sliding onto a softer surface, or in a worst case scenario, into the ditch.
Step 6

When driving up a hill on a slippery dirt road, do not stop. Maintain a steady speed, not so fast that you slip and slide more, but enough so that you do not stall.

*If, however, your vehicle begins to slide inevitably toward a deep ditch, then it might be best to stop. Oftentimes on slippery clay one or two reasonably strong people can simply push from the side, guiding your vehicle back into the center of the road as you slowly drive away from the ditch.
Step 7

If you find yourself meeting another vehicle on a narrow dirt road, particularly if it is wet and slippery, find a place that seems widest and most stable and if possible continue to drive very slowly to pass. Or, if you are in a level area where you can easily start moving again, you can pull over slowly to the side and stop.

A courteous driver, particularly one who is familiar with driving on a slippery road, will usually find the first good spot and pull over automatically to allow you to pass.
Step 8

Alternatively, during a long hot and dry spell dirt roads can become arid and dusty. Your vehicle can stir a veritable dust storm as you drive.

Use courtesy to drive slowly by any homes that you may pass, so as not to suffocate the inhabitants and cover their belongings with layers of dirt.

Comments

harvard said

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on 11/18/2009 Great article on road safety that will insure your arriving at your destination in one piece. All in all, a dirt road still sounds a lot safer than driving in Jamaica! Thank you.

cookiesmagic said

on 11/12/2009 (G)ood advice

on 11/11/2009 Food advice

sullysee said

on 11/7/2009 In Upper Penninsula Michigan it is filled with dirt roads and inclement weather much of the time, while vacationing there a few times; knowing how to drive on dirt roads is important. Good advice to heed. 5*