NEW YEAR. NEW RIDES. SAME RESPONSIBILITY

New Year. New Rides. Same Responsibility.

As we roll into a new year at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA) and other sand sport areas, the American Sand Association reminds everyone that fun and freedom at the dunes go hand-in-hand with smart decisions and personal responsibility.

The dunes are vast. Beautiful. And unforgiving when things go wrong.

A few reminders that save lives every season:

🚩 Fly Your Safety Flag
Every vehicle must have a properly mounted, visible safety flag. Flags save lives. Period.

🪖 Wear Your Helmet
Helmets aren’t optional — especially on SxS, quads, and bikes. Modern machines are powerful, and accidents happen fast.

👀 Look Before You Leap
Never crest a dune blindly. Someone may be climbing the other side. Slow down, peek, and live to ride another day.

👥NEVER Dune Alone
Always recreate with at least one other person or vehicle.  If you break down or get injured deep in the dunes, the odds of being found diminish quickly the farther out you go.

💧Carry More Water Than You Think You’ll Need
Dehydration can occur quickly — especially during the warmer shoulder seasons of October–November and April–May. If you’re stuck or broken down, water becomes survival gear, not comfort gear.

🌙Dress for the Night
Mid-season temperatures (December–February) can drop into the low 40s — sometimes lower. Cold nights surprise unprepared riders. Also, remember always to be “wind ready,” with your camp.

📍Know Where You Are
Carry a GPS (with apps like Avenza or Polaris Ride Command) and a charged cell phone. Technology isn’t a crutch — it’s a safety tool.

The dunes will still be here tomorrow only if we ride smart today. Ride with respect. Ride prepared. Ride so we can all keep riding.

From all of us at the American Sand Association — Happy New Year, and ride safe.

JOIN or RENEW your ASA Membership here (you can also make a year-end donation).

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