Explain safe hiking rules

Hiking safely requires different habits depending on whether you are walking along a paved road, hiking a rugged mountain trail, moving in broad daylight, or navigating under the cover of darkness. Understanding these rules protects both you and your patrol.

Highway and Road Hiking

Walking along roads shared with motor vehicles carries unique risks. Follow these strict safety protocols:

• Face oncoming traffic: Walk on the left side of the road so you can see approaching vehicles and take evasive action if a driver swerves or fails to see you.
• Walk single file: Stay in a straight, orderly line along the shoulder or as far off the pavement as practical. Never walk two or three abreast on a roadway.
• Yield to vehicles: Step completely off the pavement onto the dirt shoulder or grass whenever a car or truck approaches, rather than assuming the driver will give you room.
• Never hitchhike: Do not accept rides from strangers or hitchhike under any circumstances.
• Cross cautiously: Cross roadways only at marked crosswalks or where visibility is clear in both directions for several hundred yards. The entire group should cross together upon a leader’s command.

Cross-Country and Trail Hiking

When hiking through backcountry trails, forests, or open terrain:

• Stay on established trails: Follow marked paths to prevent trail widening and avoid cutting switchbacks on steep hillsides, which causes severe soil erosion and damage to delicate vegetation.
• Set the pace to the slowest hiker: The patrol leader or designated pace-setter walks at the front, matching a steady, sustainable pace to the slowest member of the group. An experienced Scout acts as “sweep” at the rear to ensure no one falls behind.
• Trail right-of-way courtesy:
  • Uphill hikers have the right-of-way: When descending, step aside onto rock or bare dirt to let ascending hikers continue their rhythm.
  • Pack stock (horses and mules): When horses or pack animals approach, step off the trail on the downhill side, stand quietly, and speak in a calm, normal tone so the animals know you are human and are not startled.
• Watch your footing: Step over obstacles like logs and rocks rather than on top of them (which can be slippery or roll). Avoid loose shale and wet roots.

Day vs. Night Hiking

Hiking in the dark transforms familiar terrain into a disorienting environment with hidden tripping hazards.