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Surface Obstacles.
Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. A rock,
log, hole, rut, 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 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
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
certainly 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 a 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.)
4-16.
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