Utility Vehicle Precautions - Lexus RX 450h Owner's Manual

Utility vehicle precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility
vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower
tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity.
Utility vehicle feature
 Specific design characteristics give
it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehi-
cle design feature causes this type
of vehicle to be more likely to
rollover. And, utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles.
 An advantage of the higher ground
clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate
problems.
 It is not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as ordinary pas-
senger cars any more than
low-slung sports cars are designed
to perform satisfactorily under
off-road conditions. Therefore,
sharp turns at excessive speeds may
cause the vehicle to rollover.
WARNING

Utility vehicle precautions

■
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of death, seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
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4-6. Driving tips
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
●
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. Therefore,
the driver and all passengers should
always fasten their seat belts.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
●
vers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover causing death or serious
injury.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage
●
carrier will make the center of the
vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of con-
trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to
operate this vehicle correctly.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
●
Because of its profile and higher
center of gravity, your vehicle is more
sensitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car. Slowing down will allow
you to have better control.
Do not drive horizontally across steep
●
slopes. Driving straight up or straight
down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any
similar off-road vehicle) can tip over
sideways much more easily than for-
ward or backward.
Off-road driving
Your vehicle is not designed to be
driven off-road. However, in the event
that off-road driving cannot be
avoided, please observe the following
precautions to help avoid the areas
prohibited to vehicles.
 Drive your vehicle only in areas
where off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
 Respect private property. Get
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