Specifications

Surface Obstacles: Unseen or hidden obstacles
can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or
bump can startle you if you are 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?
• Will the surface texture change abruptly
up ahead?
• Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill? There is more discussion of
these subjects later.
• Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?
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 are
not prepared.
When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other
obstacles, the wheels can leave the ground.
If this happens, even with one or two wheels,
you cannot control the vehicle as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved surface,
it is 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 is not.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any
road. And this is certainly 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 a 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 on page 247.
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