What will it take for people to learn?
Just when we think that people can't get any dumber we are once again amazed when we hear of reports of rude, arrogant and flagrant abuses of private land by 4x4 owners. Usually when confronted most of these guys use the "There wasn't any sign" or "I didn't know" argument which is one of the oldest and lamest excuses we know of.
No Trespassing
The most recent case was brought to our attention by Cascadia Security in Bonney Lake Washington. Cascadia for those that don't know of it is the largest planned community ever undertaken in the state of Washington. The land is situated at the end of 198th street, south of Bonney Lake Washington.
Despite the fact that there is a huge sign on 198th (which is the only access to this area) that states that the property on both sides of the road is private past the sign, this individual was caught trespassing on Cascadia's private property no doubt because he doesn't know how to read. Recently damage has been done by other 4x4 owners to the newly constructed golf course in the area and security is doing it's best to try and keep these illiterate people out of the area.
When confronted, this Jeeper claimed he "didn't know he was on private property because there are no signs" (except the one as big as a barn door on the way in). I guess by that logic it would be o.k. for the rest of us to come Jeepn' in the front yard of his single wide as we are sure he doesn't have a sign on his property stating that it is private.
What is even more disturbing is that when asked by security to leave the property by the way he came in his response was "I'm not ready to leave yet" We just have to ask WHO THE HELL DOES THIS ASSHOLE THINK HE IS? He then proceeded to spin his tires and throw gravel at the security rig as he beat a hasty retreat for the nearest exit.
When asked, Cascadia security stated they are still deciding whether to file a police report of the incident.
What will it take?
It would seem that it is a dauntingly up hill battle for education of 4x4 owners that just because they own a 4x4 does not mean they have the right to run ruffshod over private land and public property that is not designated for 4x4 use. For most of these people the only education they will get is when it costs them money.
We tirelessly promote the responsible use of designated 4x4 areas here at NWJeepn and we ask all responsible 4x4 owners to take pictures (especially of license plates) and video if you can, of illegal activity by guys like this who are making it much tougher for all of us to make a better name for our hobby and our community.
As Red Green would say "Remember, were all in this together"
TREAD LIGHTLY!