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.
0
you have less time
to
react.
you
have
more vehicle bounce when you drive
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially
over obstacles.
since you’re on an unpaved surface.
~~ ~
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
control and crash.
So,
whether you’re driving on
or off the road,
you
and your passengers should
wear safety belts.
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.
Surface
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
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:
I
longer braking distances.
0
Is
the path ahead clear?
0
Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
I
Does
the travel take you uphill
or
downhill? (There’s
more discussion of
these
subjects later.)
4-17
1.
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