Off-Road Driving - Cadillac 2011 Escalade Owner's Manual

Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your driving
to these conditions. It is important
to slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance is longer
and vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try to avoid
sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing
vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You might
not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn
to recognize warning clues
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.

Off-Road Driving

Vehicles with all wheel drive can be
used for off road driving. Vehicles
without all wheel drive and vehicles
with 22 inch tire/wheel assemblies
should not be driven off-road except
on a level, solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features
that help make the vehicle more
responsive on paved roads during
poor weather conditions also help
make it better suited for off road
use than conventional passenger
vehicles. The vehicle does not
have features usually thought to
be necessary for extended or
severe off road use such as special
such
underbody shielding and transfer
case low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range
of conditions, including off road
usage. Always wear your safety belt
and observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain.
Driving and Operating
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
if you drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has
some definite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not
marked, curves are not banked, and
there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill,
or downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off road could
result in loss of vehicle control
or vehicle rollover.
9-7
accident