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Rock'n and Roll'n in Moab
Jeep Safari Roll Overs

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Four wheeling can be hazardous, especially on obstacles like Potato Salad Hill and the Double Whammy. To increase your chances of staying upright, avoid these optional obstacles, pay close attention to the trail in front of you and use a ground guide to help you through the worst spots. Each year several 4WDs roll during Jeep Safari. It has been reported that about one 4WD a day will typically roll during the 9 days of Jeep Safari. Here are some of them:

This Toyota rolled at the base of the Golden Steps on the Golden Spike Trail. He started up, lost traction, and when he backed down dropped his left front tire off a ledge which induced a roll. Apparently that scenario is a common one for rolls here. Approaching the obstacle from farther to the right and paying extra attention if you have to back down can help avoid this situation. I wonder if this driver was wearing his seat belt? Notice how his head and shoulders are up against the roof. Many roll-overs come at the most unexpected times. Always wear seat belts when 4-wheeling. (Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

It sometimes takes a bit of momentum on the second and third stairs of the Golden Stairs obstacle. But this is clearly too much and is another good way to end up in a roll. (Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

There are a number of ways to cross the Golden Crack on the Golden Spike trail. Good drivers can just about keep all their tires on the ground. But the most popular line produces more "air" and hoots from the crowd. But be careful, it's possible to get too much "air" and end up on your side. (Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

The optional Double Whammy on the Golden Spike Trail is one of the most difficult obstacles in Moab. Rolls are most commonly induced when the front tires spin on the top ledge, slip off and drop down one side suddenly. This Jeep didn't roll, but I'll bet it was a heart stopper for the occupants.(Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

Here's a case where too much momentum caused a roll at the Double Whammy. See the Quick Time video clip of the roll and the crowd setting the little truck back on it's feet. (Video processed from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

Potato Salad Hill may roll more 4WDs than any other obstacle in Moab. It is so dangerous that the Red Rock 4-Wheelers no longer include it in the official Hell's Revenge trail run. The trail leader will probably just tell you how to get there and advise you that you entirely on your own. This white Wrangler was coming up very nicely until he was nearly up and the front tires slipped to the drivers left and caused a roll. Fortunately neither the driver or passenger were hurt. For video of the trip up and the roll down order Jeep Safari Trails, Best shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions. (Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

Todd Adams got this excellent video of a Blazer rolling down Potato Salad Hill. The driver tried the obstacle several times and wasn't about to give up. When he was near the top, he got a little sideways and got off the gas - but not soon enough. See a Quick Time Video Clip made from Todd's video. (Video frame grab from Todd Adam's home video)

Mr. Ed gives us yet another demonstration of what can happen on Moab's famous Potato Salad Hill.  As I understand it, no one was hurt in any of these rollovers. Seat belts and roll bars are strongly advised on and off 4WD Trails. Quick Time Video Clip of the action. See more of Mr. Eds Excellent Adventures.

White Knuckle Hill (on the Behind the Rocks trail) can be dangerous to both body and drive train parts especially when going up. A brand new Defender 90 driver didn't get off the gas when he should have and nearly totaled body on the new truck. That didn't deter him though. Once he was winched upright he tried it again and made it and then completed the trail. For video order Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions. (Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

Even after witnessing the Defender 90, I couldn't resist a shot at climbing White Knuckle. Apparently I used just the right amount of momentum as I made it up on the first try. But then I managed to puncture a sidewall and had to change a tire before completing the upper part of the obstacle. See me toward the end of the tape on Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions. (Video frame grab from Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 by Bear Creek Productions)

Jeep Safari Trails, Best Shots 1989 - 1995 video

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