User Guide

Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful
off-road driving. One
of the best ways to control your
vehicle
is to control your speed. Here are some things to
keep in mind. At higher speeds:
you approach things faster and you have less time to
you have less time to react.
scm the terrain
for obstacles.
you have more vehicle bounce when you drive
over obstacles.
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially
since you’re on an unpaved surface.
When you’re driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause you to lose
control and crash.
So, whether you’re driving on
or off the road, you and your passengers should
wear safety belts.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different
kinds of terrain.
You need to be familiar with the
terrain and its many different features. Here are some
things to consider.
Surface Conditions. Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud,
snow
or ice. Each of these surfxes affects the steering,
acceleration and braking
of your vehicle in different
ways. Depending upon the kind of surface
you are
on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction and
longer braking distances.
Swfuce Obsrdes. Unseen or hidden obstacles can
be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut or bump can
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 surfxe texture change abruptly up ahead?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There’s
more discussion of these subjects later.)
0 Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?
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