By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A 19-year old Utah County male spent several hours lost
on the sand at the Little Sahara Sand Dunes after running
out of fuel on his motorcycle.
Alden Orme, Juab County Sheriff, said the 19-year old and
his friend, a 31-year old male also from Utah County, were
camping at Cherry Creek but had been riding on the sand at
the Dunes.
"When the 19-year old ran out of gas, his friend left him
there and went back to the pick-up truck to get more fuel,"
said Orme.
When the friend headed back to the area where he thought
he left his friend, he could not locate him. He had become
disoriented on the sand.
The Little Sahara Sand Dunes can change as the wind blows
which can be confusing to ATV riders.
The 31-year old man then recruited others who were at the
Dunes riding their own ATVs to help in the search. They
looked from about 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. but did not find the
man.
"My office was notified at that time and two deputies and
myself responded," said Orme. "The local BLM (Bureau of Land
Management) at Little Sahara also helped with a search.
After a couple of hours, the Search and Rescue Team was
called out and responded to the site. They were getting
organized when the 19-year old showed up at the White
Sands.
"He had managed to walk out to White Sands," said
Orme.
Orme said this is the time of year when the sand
recreation area is particularly popular with Off-Road
Vehicle enthusiasts. They enjoy the weather while it is
still a bit cool before the sand gets hot in the summer. The
cool temperatures are better for the machines.
"A little preparation can really help," he said.
For example, in this case, had the two men had a small
GPS system, which he says is not that expensive to purchase,
they could have marked the spot where the 19-year old was
located. That would have made finding him much easier.
"It is a good investment," said Orme.
The two should have also made certain they had enough
fuel in each machine before going out on the sand. They
should have taken some extra fuel and some warm clothes,
water and a little food.
"We are fortunate to have a well-trained group of Search
and Rescue team members in our county who are always willing
to help," said Orme.
In addition, he said, the BLM rangers were also
well-trained and helpful.
Orme said there are a few safety tips he would like to
see ATV riders use when visiting local recreation areas such
as the Little Sahara.
•Obey rules of the riding area.
•Never ride alone.
•Ride only at safe speeds for existing
conditions.
•Unless the OHV is designated to carry passengers,
don't.
•Adults should accompany and supervise drivers
between the ages of eight and 15 at all times.
•OHV operators should be able to straddle the
machine with a slight bend to the knees while the feet are
on the foot rests.
•Wear clothing that covers arms and legs and
over-the-ankle boots, gloves and shatter resistant eye
protection (sunglasses are not recommended).
•Ride with headlight and tail light turned on at all
times.
•Be prepared for emergencies.
•Carry a small tool kit and parts, a first aid and
survival kit, and a tow rope.
•A brightly colored whip flag should be attached to
the OHV and at least eight feet off the ground while it is
being operated on designated sand dune areas.
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