Death at the Imperial Sand Dunes

Every morning it's a habit to wake up pour a cup of coffee and read the morning paper. I was sadden by the news of a death at the Sand Dunes. Riding season officially doesn't begin until October 31st. It is always sad to hear that someone dies, especially when it comes to Off road vehicles. The worse part about it is that alcohol was involved. The Yuma Daily Sun doesn't give a lot of information regarding the accident. I have seen it, time and time again. People come to ride the Imperial Sand Dunes without really knowing or having an understanding of the terrain. There is always wind at the Sand Dunes, therefore the face of the dunes ALWAYS change. What might be there today will not be there tomorrow. I travel back and forth through Imperial County on business meetings I always glance at the dunes while I am passing through. Each time I do so it is so much different than before. If you have never been to the sand dunes it's important to know that what goes up must come down and sometimes it is way too quickly. What might seem like a nice hill from one side might be a huge drop off on the other.
The Yuma Sun reported he came down about 45 feet. Some of the bowls out there are pretty steep and deep. Get to know the riding area before going full speed off a dune. Alcohol inhibits your ability to react to a situation quickly and think clearly. ALCOHOL AND OFF ROAD VEHICLES DO NOT MIX! Never operate a vehicle of any kind while intoxicated. I wish the family lots of confort in this hard time. Please be careful the sand dunes can be fun but also dangerous .