Ford Escape Owner's Manual page 110

PREPARING TO DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle has special design and equipment features to make it
capable of performing in a wide variety of circumstances. These special
design features, such as larger tires and increased ground clearance, give
the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger car.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as four-wheel drive
vehicles handle differently than vehicles with a lower center of
gravity. Four-wheel drive vehicles are not designed for cornering at
speeds as high as passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars
are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid
sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles.
Failure to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of vehicle
rollover, personal injury and death.
Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity, may handle
differently than unloaded vehicles. Extra precautions, such as
slower speeds and increased stopping distance, should be taken when
driving a heavily loaded vehicle.
Your vehicle has the capability to haul more cargo and people than most
passenger cars. Depending upon the type and placement of the load,
hauling people and cargo may raise the center of gravity of the vehicle.
Use extra caution while becoming familiar with your vehicle. Know the
capabilities and limitations of both you as a driver and your vehicle.
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE (TRANSMISSION) OPERATION
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) unless the brake
pedal is depressed.
If the gearshift lever cannot be moved from P (Park) with the brake
pedal depressed, it is possible that a fuse has blown or the vehicle's
brakelamps are not operating properly. Refer to Fuses and relays in the
Roadside emergencies chapter.
Do not drive your vehicle until you verify that the brakelamps
are working.
Driving
109