Table of Contents
Advertisement
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds
of terrain. You need to be fimilix with the terrain and its
many different features. Here are some things
to
consider.
S u r f c m Corzc1i~io11.s. Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, rrrud. snow
or ice. Each of these surfaces 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.
Su@ce Ohstclcles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be
hazardous. A rock, log, hole,
r u t
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
0
0
0
0
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's
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
o u t of
your hands if
you're
n o t
prepared.
When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles,
your wheels can leave the ground. I f this happens, even
with one or two wheels. you can't control the vehicle
a s
well o r
a t
a l l .
Because y o u will be on an unpaved surface., it's
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden
tl1rnC
o t -
suclden
braking.
In a way. off-road driving requires a different kind of
alertness from driving o n paved roads and highways.
There are no road signs. posted speed
limits
or signal
lights. You have
t o
use your
own
good judgment about
what is
safe
and what isn't.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous
o n
any
1-oad.
And
this
i s
certainly
true
for off-nmi driving.
At
the very tirne you need special alertness and driving
skills, your reflexes. perceptions and judgment can be
affected by wen
a
small
amount of alcohol. You could
have
:I
serious
--
o r even f i t a l
- -
accident if you drink
and drivc or
ride
with
a
drivel- who has been drinking.
See "Drunken Driving" in the Index.
4-18
Advertisement
Table of Contents
