No doubt there still exist some drivers who are irresponsible (just as there are some irresponsible backpackers). However, the fact remains that people tend to use their four-wheel drive vehicles as a means to access, explore and appreciate the wonderful, remote, natural areas of the back country. And most are riding on the roads designated specifically for off-road use.
- The Bureau of Land Managementis the government agency that categorizes land and how it can be used. According to the BLM, lands are placed in one of several vehicle use categories.
This shift in attitude of today's 4x4 drivers has had a tremendous impact on the public's image of four-wheelers. This is due, in large part, to the many four-wheel drive clubs and organizations working together to educate their members... and the public.
After all, if drivers don't begin to drive more safely and take responsibility for their actions on and off the trails, the end result will likely be LESS off-road access for vehicles. Instead, the result could actually be MORE areas designated specifically for vehicles to ride off-road. While the threat of diminishing lands available for public use may never go away altogether, drivers certainly seem better educated on the facts today, and we continue to work together to make things get better, rather than worse.