Driving on Gravel & Dirt Roads
Loose surfaces give less grip than pavement. Cars slide in corners, brake slowly and throw rocks. Rural crashes on unpaved roads often involve speed, oncoming traffic and soft edges.
- Rural Drivers
- Work Crews
- Travelers
Slow down and be smooth
- Reduce speed well below what you would drive on pavement, often 25 to 35 mph or less, depending on the surface and visibility.
- Make gentle steering, braking and acceleration. Sudden moves cause skids. Brake early, with lighter pressure. If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go.
- Take curves slowly and brake before the curve, not in it.
- Keep both hands on the wheel and expect the car to wander slightly.
- Increase following distance; stopping distance can double or triple on gravel.
Road hazards
- Washboard (corrugations): speeds up wear and reduces control; a steady moderate speed can smooth the ride, but do not go too fast.
- Soft shoulders and edges: stay near the center on narrow roads and avoid the edge, which can collapse or pull the car off. If you drift off, ease off the gas, steer gently back and do not jerk the wheel.
- Potholes, loose rocks and ruts that can damage tires and suspension.
- Dust: reduces visibility behind other vehicles and at crests. Stay back and slow down. Turn on headlights.
- Blind curves and hills: stay right, honk where appropriate and be ready to stop for oncoming vehicles and wildlife. See Rural & Mountain Roads and Animal Collisions.
- Water crossings and mud: do not cross flowing water or unknown depth. See Flooded Roads.
- Passing kicks up rocks and dust; avoid passing unless you can see clear road.
Prepare the vehicle
- Check tire condition and pressure and carry a full-size spare, jack and tools. See Tire Safety and Flat Tires
- Fill the fuel tank; stations are far apart in remote areas
- Carry water, a first aid kit, tow strap, flashlight and a charged phone and a map; phone service may be absent. See Car Emergency Kit
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive. See Breakdowns
- Clean the windshield and replace chipped glass; rocks can crack it
- Check brakes, lights and fluids before leaving pavement
Standards & references
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