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.
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.
Sugace
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.
Surjke
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?
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