User Guide
Scanning
the
Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over mLmy different kinds
of terrain.
You
need to be fatniliar
with
the terrain and its
many different features.
Here
are some things
to
consider.
Surface
Cmditiom.
Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel. rocks. grass. sand, mud, snow
or ice. Each
of
these surfaces affects the steering,
acceleration and brakinz
of
your vehicle
in
different
ways. Depending upon the kind of surfxe you are on.
you may experience slipping. sliding. wheel spinning.
delayed acceieration, poor traction and longer
braking distances.
Sru-fnce
0hstcrcle.v.
Unseen or hidden obstacles can be
hazardous.
A
rock. log hole.
rut
or
bump
CUI
startle you
if
you're not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are
hidden
by
grass, bushes. snow or even the rise and
fall
of
the terrain itself. Here are
some
things to consider:
Is
the path ahead clear'?
0
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead'?
Does the travel take you
uphill
or downhill'? (There's
more discussion
of
these sub-jects later.)
Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quicklv'?
When
you
drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a
firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs or other
surface features can jerk the wheel out of
your
hands
if
you're not prepared.
When
you
drive over bumps. rocks, or other obstacles,
your wheels can leave
the
ground.
If
this happens. even
with
one
or
two wheels,
you
can't control the vehicle
as
well or
at
all.
Because you
will
be on an unpaved surface. it's
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration.
sudden
turns
or
sudden braking.
In
a way, off-road driving requires a different kind
of
alertness from driving on paved roads and highways.
There are
no
road
signs.
posted speed limits
or
signal
lights. You have to
use
your own
good
judgment about
what is
safe
and what isn't.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any
road.
And
this
is certainty true for off-road driving.
At
the very time
you
need special alertness and driving
skills, your reflexes. perceptions and judgment can be
affected
by
even
z1
small amount of alcohol.
You
could
have a serious
--
or even fatal
--
accident
if
you drink
and
drive or ride
with
a driver who has been drinking.
See
"Drunken Driving"
in
the index.
4-18