Controlling
your
vehicle is the key to successful
off-road driving. One of the best ways to control your
vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to
keep in mind. At higher speeds:
you approach things faster and you have less time to
scan the terrain for obstacles.
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you have less time to react.
you have more vehicle bounce when you drive
over obstacles.
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially
since you’re on an unpaved surface.
Scanning
the
Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over many different
kinds
of
terrain.
You
need to
be
familiar with the terrain and
its
many different features. Here are some things to consider.
Surfiace
Conditions.
Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks,
grass,
sand, mud, snow or
ice. Each
of
these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration
and braking of
your
vehicle in different ways. Depending
upon the kind of surface you are
on,
you
may experience
slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration,
poor traction and longer braking distances.
Surface Obstacles.
Unseen or hidden obstacles can
be
hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut or bump can startle you
if
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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?
When you’re driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily throw you
out
of
position. This could cause you to lose
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
control and crash.
So,
whether you’re driving on
Does the travel take
you
uphill or downhill? (There’s
or off the road, you and your passengers should
more discussion of these subjects later.)
wear safety belts.
Will you have to stop suddenly
or
change
direction quickly?
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