What not to do with a 2003 Dodge Durango SLT borrowed from your brother-in-law. (pic)

[TRNDRVR]

What 'NOT' to do with a 2003 Dodge Durango SLT borrowed from your brother-in-law.

This was very sad to see indeed, seeing how we camped in the same campground the previous night with this guy. This guy, who was with his 3 year old daughter, was in way over his head and was not equipped with the right equipment. (stock Durango) He actually wrecked this Durango getting into this campsite. At this point it was still in 1 piece and repairable. We very nicely advised him that he should go out with someone else in the campground the next morning. Instead of taking our advice, he was the first to leave and this is the results. Fortunately his little girl was strapped into a car seat in the back and escaped injury. Roughed up a little, probably needed a diaper change, but okay in the end. We heard the father suffered a head injury and evidently both were taken somehow to the nearest medical facility.
By the way, this was at the Devils Kitchen Campground in the Canyonlands National Park about 75 miles South of Moab. This was my first experience down in this region of the US and it was very disturbing to see this knowing that there was a little girl in that rig. You see, I also had my 3 year old little girl with me. His girl and my girl were playing with each other the previous evening. Too scary to think of what could have happened. Sorry for such a long post.
Dan.
PS This rig was so new, it still had paper plates on the front bumper.

 

[GSequoia]

Glad everybody ended up okay. Too bad that stupid people are allowed to drive...Let alone breed!

 

[Beezil]

do you have any pics of whatever trail or road he was trying to maneuver around?

I know the area, i just am confused, i don't remember anything really treacherous the last time I was in that area

 

[TRNDRVR]

do you have any pics of whatever trail or road he was trying to maneuver around?

I know the area, i just am confused, i don't remember anything really treacherous the last time I was in that area

This was my first time there so bear with me in my explanation.
This was on the 'Elephant Hill' trail. This was on the part that has the signs that say you are supposed to pull forward, then back down a short section, then continue down the trail. Do you know where I am at? He was coming up the begining of this part of the trail heading out to the parking lot. Now the only thing we can figure he did was you come up a pretty steep incline that requires you to be turning to the right at the top. Assuming that he didn't know what he was doing, and having no help, (spotter) he wasn't able to see what was in front of him and he continued to drive right off the cliff/embankment. I think we have some other pictures looking down from the top, but they're on a roll of film still down there with one of the people we were with. HTH
Dan.

 

[Handlebars]

That guy will probably sue the NPS because that trail is paved and should have been passable to his SUV.

 

[Mike in NJ]

Another unfortunate example of probably just not paying attention. The way you described the location, it sounds like the backside of E-Hill, opposite the parking area. Yep, the hairpins are just too sharp to make a full turn, but there is plenty of room to pull forward and then back up(or down) to the next bend. It's not ridiculously steep, but it does take some concentration.

Handlebars is right, some of the ledges have been filled in to make this part of the trail not so difficult anymore, but it still requires driver attention of course.

Shame that the folks were hurt, but, once again, it just shows that, even on less-than-hardcore trails, you gotta concentrate on what you're doing!

Mike in NJ atriot:

 

[TRNDRVR]

The way you described the location, it sounds like the backside of E-Hill, opposite the parking area.

Exactly!

 

[RichP]

I'm a firm beliver that the beginning of the trail should eliminate the majority of the people who can't drive and vehicles that should not be there. If they are going to wreck their vehicle, let em wreck it in the parking lot. Make the enterance too easy and they think it's a cake walk. In places like that the NPS should have a legal requirement of 'spotters REQUIRED', no spotter and you are on your own, resposible for your ownself and anyone else you hurt.
Also along those lines the motorcycle industry has a course run by the MSF or Motorcycle Safety Foundation that teches you MC safety and basically 'How to Ride' ON THEIR MOTORCYCLE, not yours, perhaps the 4x4 manufacturers should also offer this and fund it as well a the vehicles. I know Jeep has the 101 courses but thats only for jeep owners.

 

[sidriptide]

even though the guy was lacking in the common-snese arena.. thats one reason i dont wheel with my kids.... kill myself is one thing.. hurt someone else? a whole different ball of wax entirely...
mike

 

[Mike in NJ]

Rich P talked about the need for a clear indication of difficulty at the beginning of trail. In the case of Elephant Hill, I believe the NPS has fulfilled it's obligation. (I do have a picture of the sign, but I'm no good at posting photos, so here's some of the words . . .)

"Elephant Hill is one of the most challenging 4-wheel-drive roads in the state. Steep grades, large rocks, stair-step drops, and tight switchbacks that require backing, contribute to driving difficulty. In places, the experience is similar to rock climbing on wheels.

A high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle and experienced driver are required. It is recommended that you walk over Elephant Hill prior to driving it."

Granted, there are many drivers who think this is a bit dramatic of a description and that E-Hill isn't all THAT bad, but no matter, the message I think is very clear.

What happened there is the clear responsibility of that, or any driver, who first starts to climb.

BTW (an interesting tidbit) - on that warning sign is also a map of the trail AND a photo of a 97+ 4 door White XJ - nice of the Park Service to use a Cherokee image as a standard of excellence!

Mike in NJ atriot:

 

[TRNDRVR]

Rich P talked about the need for a clear indication of difficulty at the beginning of trail. In the case of Elephant Hill, I believe the NPS has fulfilled it's obligation. (I do have a picture of the sign, but I'm no good at posting photos, so here's some of the words . . .)

"Elephant Hill is one of the most challenging 4-wheel-drive roads in the state. Steep grades, large rocks, stair-step drops, and tight switchbacks that require backing, contribute to driving difficulty. In places, the experience is similar to rock climbing on wheels.

A high clearance 4-wheel-drive vehicle and experienced driver are required. It is recommended that you walk over Elephant Hill prior to driving it."

Granted, there are many drivers who think this is a bit dramatic of a description and that E-Hill isn't all THAT bad, but no matter, the message I think is very clear.

What happened there is the clear responsibility of that, or any driver, who first starts to climb.

BTW (an interesting tidbit) - on that warning sign is also a map of the trail AND a photo of a 97+ 4 door White XJ - nice of the Park Service to use a Cherokee image as a standard of excellence!

Mike in NJ atriot:

Shoot me that picture and I'll post it up.
[email protected]

As for the Cherokee in the pic, when we were registering at the visitors center, the lady at the counter gave us a smug look and remark about the fact we were going in there with 3 Cherokees. Little does she know I guess.
Thanks,
Dan.

 

[TRNDRVR]

Here's the pic of the sign to the entrance of the Elephant Hill 4WD trail:

If you can read it, it's pretty self explanatory as to the conditions/requirements of this trail
Dan.