CODE OF CONDUCT

 1.1 Assist in keeping our country clean. Members will not litter or throw anything out of the window while driving a vehicle displaying the Club’s logo or name. They will clean up after they have camped and leave their camping site clean. They will take their litter with them if there are no dumping facilities at the camping site and will never bury litter.

1.2. Preserve our fauna and flora. Never disturb animals as it might affect their survival. Obey fire restrictions and always ensure that campfires are properly extinguished. Do not damage or remove any flora without permission from the venue owners.

1.3. Respect the peace and privacy of fellow campers at camping sites and will not make nuisances of themselves when camping. A Club member/family member/guest will not be excessively noisy when camping nor play loud music which can bother fellow campers. We enjoy nature and the serenity of being outdoors.

1.4. Respect and abide by the rules and regulations of the country, national parks, conservation and public areas. Keep to the laws and regulations that apply to four wheel driving for the area you drive in.

1.5. Respect the right of privacy, peace and solitude of other human beings. Obtain permission before driving on private land.

1.6. Keep your vehicle mechanical sound and clean to reduce environmental impact. Carry sufficient tools, spares and recovery equipment.

1.7. Abide by the traffic rules. Drive defensively and set an example to others. Be friendly and courteous to fellow road users. Assist fellow four wheel drivers in need.

1.8. Take responsibility for your actions. Promote the safe and responsible use of four wheel drive vehicles. Accept responsibility for your group. Do not drink and drive.

1.9. Support four wheel driving as a responsible and legitimate recreational activity. Obey the constitution and rules of the club.

1.10. Keep to existing roads and tracks. Avoid sensitive eco systems. Travel in a group or with another vehicle in remote areas. Take adequate water, food, first aid and fuel. Preplan trips carefully before departure.

1.11. When driving in farming areas remember the golden rule: If you find the gate open, leave it open. If you find the gate closed, close it again behind you.

1.12. Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but tracks

2.1 When driving off-road all members will adhere to the following guidelines:

2.1. Following Distances

All participants must at all times maintain a safe following distance. There is no prescribed distance but it needs to be varied according to the terrain. Always allow the driver in front of you enough space to maneuver and/or get into position to attempt an obstacle and to back up, should he not make it. This should not be limited to serious obstacles but also any uphill where there is a chance that the vehicle in front can stall or has to back up for whatever reason.

2.2. Parking

When there is an obstacle in the trail and everybody wants to stop and watch the rest of the group coming through, the lead vehicle on the trail must always drive down the trail far enough to allow all the vehicles behind to have space to park.

2.3. Spectators/Photographers

Spectators must always watch from a safe distance.

2.4. Spotting

Please assist fellow drivers in tight spots by spotting and guiding them through so they do not damage their vehicles. Also spot when drivers are backing up to get in position for an obstacle. This will prevent the driver from driving into unseen holes/cliffs/rocks/tortoises or other road hazards.

2.5. Environment

If there are any special rules it would be great if the trail owner can explain them to all drivers. All drivers MUST stick to the rules of the trail.

2.6. Pre-Trail Vehicle Inspection

This should be done in any case, but it is worth noting here. Also be sure all the goodies in the back is strapped down securely, as a flying Engel or hi-lift jack can be pretty lethal.

2.7. Have Patience/Calm Down

When attempting an obstacle and things are not working out exactly the way you plan, stay calm. Once you get worked up, you transfer that stress to your vehicle.

2.8. Vehicle Recovery

There are many recovery rules to observe.  A responsible and suitably qualified person on the trail should know them, and that person should take charge of all recoveries.

Recovery equipment: Every vehicle should be equiped with its own recovery equipment. Especially snatch straps/ropes. These items have a limited life span and it is not fair to use somebody else’s equipment. Therefore, should a driver not have his own equipment, and another he uses somebody else’s equipment the donor should be re-imbursed for the use of his equipment.

2.9 Drinking on the Trail

It has been proven too many times that drinking and sound judgment cannot exist at the same time. Drink soft drinks and water while driving, and once the trail is over, the braai-fires are burning and the cars are parked, break out the hard tack/beers/tafels/mampoer/brannas or whatever. Remember that impaired judgment due to alcohol intake does not only affect the driver, it definitely also affects the passengers, and could potentially affect fellow drivers, with serious consequences.

2.10 Driving Skills/Pressure.

Don’t feel pressured into doing anything you do not feel comfortable doing. Rather be safe than sorry.

Observance and interpretation of the rules

Every member binds himself to abide by the rules of the club and also by any modifications made in conformity with such rules and also accept as final and binding the decision of the committee in all cases of dispute or disagreement as to the interpretation of these rules.