Off-Road Vehicle Precautions - Toyota 2003 Land Cruiser Owner's Manual

Off–road vehicle precautions
192
This vehicle belongs to the utility ve-
hicle class, which has higher ground
clearance and narrower tread in relation
to the height of its center of gravity to
make it capable of performing in a wide
variety of off–road applications. Specif-
ic design characteristics give it a high-
er center of gravity than ordinary pas-
senger cars. This vehicle
feature causes this type of vehicle to
be more likely to rollover. And, utility
vehicles have a significantly higher rol-
lover 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.
is not designed for cornering at the
same speeds as ordinary passenger
cars any more than low–slung sports
cars designed to perform satisfactorily
under off–road conditions. Therefore,
sharp turns at excessive speeds may
cause rollover.
'03 L/C U (L/O 0301)
CAUTION
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of serious
personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle:
D
In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-
design
son is significantly more likely to
die than a person wearing a seat
belt. Therefore, the driver and all
passengers should fasten their seat
belts whenever the vehicle is mov-
ing.
D
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
It
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.
D
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 maneu-
vers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to
failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly.