On July 1, 2007 Ocotillo Wells State Vehicle Recreation Area enacted a new safety regulation requiring safety whips on all ATV’s .

Superintendent’s Order # 439-07-01, states that all ATV’s operating within Ocotillo Wells SVRA, are required to have a whip with a flag attached to it. The whip shall be securely attached to the vehicle and the whip shall extend at least eight feet from the surface of the ground. When the vehicle is stopped, the whip shall be capable of standing upright while supporting the weight of any additional attached flags.

Each whip shall have at least one safety flag attached to it. This safety flag shall be a solid red or orange color and be attached within ten inches of the top of the whip. The safety flag shall be a minimum size of six (6) inches by twelve (12) inches and may be a pennant, triangle, square, or rectangular shape. Any additional flags may be attached to the whip but must be mounted below the safety flag.

This Superintendent’s Order was enacted for the safety and well being of all visitors to Ocotillo Wells SVRA. The whip and safety flags announce the presence of an ATV before it is actually seen. This additional warning of an approaching ATV gives other visitors time to avoid a collision.

Any questions regarding this new safety regulation may be directed to Chief Ranger Nedra Martinez by phone at 760-767-0156 or by email at nmart@parks.ca.gov .