Posted By Bob Thompson CMIOSH what type of work?

Posted By Ron Hunter Why do you need a 4x4 then?

Posted By Richard Altoft try local 4x4 clubs or Institute of Advanced Motorists or perhaps local farmers groups. perhaps local 4x4 dealers will know of a group or trainer.Sorry to be vague but hope it helps R

Posted By Nigel Richards we're not looking at site compounds here. these people will be travelling in proper off road conditions; mud, ruts, slopes and such like. We wouldn't be thinking of expensive off-roaders if we didn't need them.

Posted By clairel Keep your shirt on! You said that they were to be used primarily on roads and some time on motorway construction sites. That does not imply 'proper' off-road to someone like me. So, if as you say they are really doing 'proper' off-road driving then send them on a course as that is the only way you can equip them with the skills to cross steep slopes etc safely.

Posted By Andy Stokes We use them all the time in off-road conditions on nature reserves around teh UK, including soem very wild and woolly bits of Scotland. Mandatory qualification for our users is the LANTRA 4x4 course. Where there are no trainers within a reasonable distance we will accept British Off-road Driving Association assessment as well.

Posted By Nigel Richards thanks to all for your responses. my job is to take the info and make managers think about whether 4x4's are needed at all, nominating & training, etc. Particular mention to TBC: I had just journeyed in on a busy commuter train, in the rain, only to read that you live in rural southern France. How green with envy did I feel!

Posted By TBC Did I mention the rain?

Posted By Karen Todd Stability. My old boss had a penchant for these. He did drive them at speed, but some were more "wobbly" than others. Some makes I would never in a million years choose due to the "wobble factor". I really felt quite ill at times, but I think the driver was more at fault than the vehicle. See also this: http://www.belfasttelegr...-safersquo-14097688.html although the factors raised here are weight (armour plate), light transmission through windscreen, and high speed. KT

Posted By Andrew Lochlyn Ure Nigel Although I'm not in the UK, but in an oilfield environment in the Middle East I'd like to add a couple of comments to the good advice you've already received. We have a large fleet of 4x4's - predominantly Toyota Landcruisers - because nothing else would get across some of the stuff we drive over. The biggest hazard with them is the higher centre of gravity than a normal saloon car due to the increased ground clearance, with a greater risk of a single vehicle rollover (the 'wobbly' factor - beautifully put Karen). We have experienced many of these incidents, particularly what we refer to as the 'S Pattern' rollover which is where a driver loses concentration, allows the vehicle to drift to the wrong side of the carriageway and then panics, over-compensates on the steering, emergency brakes and in so doing puts so much centrifugal force over the axles the vehicle comes off its wheels. As a result all of ours used out in the field are equipped with rollover protection cages inside the cabin, which may sound a bit OTT but have saved many lives over the years. The other factor to take into consideration is tyre safety - stick to the manufacturers recommendation for tyre type and pressure for the terrain, and I would also make sure that the vehicle was equipped with a full sized spare - not a space saver. Ours go through tyres like they were going out of fashion so we carry two spares - again, perhaps a bit excessive for your needs but for us an essential. Finally, as previous correspondents have already pointed out, training for drivers on the handling characteristics is also an essential - the LANTRA course already mentioned looks like the one to aim for, and I doubt you'd have too much trouble persuading anyone to go on it! Now .... mine needs a good clean ... Regards Andrew