Please make sure that front and rear towing points on vehicles are adequate enough to enable recovery to take place safely. Many members are relying on factory fitted towing eyes and we have found that, particularly with the smaller vehicles, e.g. Suzuki’s, these are proving not to be anywhere near strong enough for winching off when these vehicles are bogged down. The dangers from snapping ropes / cables to drivers and club officials who are assisting in winching these vehicles, as well as those people who are in the immediate area spectating, is obvious. Whilst watching vehicles being recovered can be as much fun as driving at times, please ensure a ‘safe zone’ is observed between both vehicles at all times.
The club has purchased a number of winch blankets for use by officials who are requested to assist with the recovery of stuck / broken down vehicles. These are carried on marshalls vehicles equipped with winches and are to be used at all times when winching is required. A spare blanket will be available at the signing on point for those without one. Those members who have winches fitted will also be required to have a winch blanket as part of the vehicles equipment, which must be used when winches are deployed. We also advise that suitable gloves (ideally leather) should be worn when handling winch cables or ropes.