Off-Road Vehicle Precautions - Toyota RAV4 2002 Owner's Manual

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Off–road vehicle precautions
154
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'02 Rav4_U (L/O 0108)
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. Specific
design characteristics give it a higher
center of gravity than ordinary passen-
ger cars. This vehicle design feature
causes this type of vehicle to be more
likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate
than other types of vehicles. An advan-
tage of the higher ground clearance is
a better view of the road allowing you
to anticipate problems. It is not de-
signed for cornering at the
speeds as ordinary passenger cars any
more than low–slung sports cars de-
signed to perform satisfactorily under
off–road conditions. Therefore,
turns at excessive speeds may cause
rollover.
2002 MY RAV4_U (OM42503U)
CAUTION
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of serious
personal injury or damage to your ve-
hicle:
"
In a rollover crash, an unbelted per-
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.
"
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers, if at all possible. Failure to
same
operate this vehicle correctly may
result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover causing death or serious
injury.
sharp
"
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.