There are dangers to tackling 4WD trails beyond just breaking parts. The biggest risk, of course, is that of physical injury in the event of a rollover. Although being in a vehicle during a rollover can be dreadful, it doesn't have to result in injury.
By taking a total of steps before hitting the trail and during the actual rollover situation you can greatly gain your chances of emerging unscathed with a vehicle capable of going on up the trail.
Before-The-Trail Check List
Tie It Down
Quite often, people are injured by loose gear flying about the cab during a rollover. Tying down your gear could save you a head injury and will also keep gear well controlled so you'll have less to clean up should your vehicle flop over. This comprises checking under the hood to make sure all items are safe.
Seatbelts
Most of you know that it's crucial to wear seatbelts at all times, but when's the last time you looked at the circumstance of your seatbelt attachment points? Rusted floorboards or loose seatbelt bolts can result in ineffective seatbelts. Harness-type quick-release belts should be considered if you tackle hardcore trails.
Tire Pressure
Adjust the tire air pressure to suit the terrain. Lower psi will make a wider contact patch and make sidewalls more adaptable so they conform to obstructions.
Handholds
Always keep your hands, feet, and head inside the vehicle. Pretty easy advice, but where do you put your hands during a rollover? The driver should typically hold on to the steering wheel. The thought is to stabilize yourself within the vehicle so you don't rag-doll around as your 4x4 tumbles. Every 4x4 should have enough grab handles within easy reach of the passenger as well. You should also never grab ahold of the rollbar itself since fingers can be easily crushed by the terrain below. If your 4x4 doesn't have lasting grab handles in place, a set of strap-on handles can be added to any rollbar. Rollbar padding should also be used in regions around the bar where driver and passenger heads might make contact.
During And After
So you've done everything to prep for a rollover, but how do you avoid one? Using common sense is your best bet, but you can also debar or get out of a potential rollover by keeping your cool and continuing to drive the vehicle. Many folks will panic and give in to a roll before it's even happened. Yes, you should protect yourself by ducking down and holding on when all else fails, but don't make a bad situation worse by letting the vehicle control how it rolls over. A slight tap on the brakes, a stab at the throttle, or even a slight turn of the steering wheel might help you regain control the vehicle. In many situations, especially when driving off camber, you can steer the vehicle downhill to keep from tipping.
During a rollover, bystanders should always be on guard. You cannot trust on the driver to know where you are at all times. Have an get out route planned if you're in the vehicle's path. This can be something as simple as diving behind a rock or tree. Once the vehicle comes to a stop after a rollover, the driver should be the first to act. If the engine is still running, shut it off; however, do not eject your seatbelt until someone outside the vehicle determines that the vehicle is constant and will not continue to run uncontrollably. The vehicle should be stabilized using straps or a winch line if essential. When it's determined that the vehicle is stable, the driver and passenger should exit the vehicle.
After a rollover, the vehicle should be approached cautiously and a fire extinguisher should be on the ready. Elect one person in your group to assess the situation and divide jobs, beginning with administering first aid to the vehicle's occupants as essential. If serious injury has resulted, this will be your first priority. Don't even think about vehicle recovery until everyone's safety is founded.
