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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 i n 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 f a l l 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
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