Scanning
the Terrain
Off-road driving can take
you
over many different kinds
of
terrain.
You
need
to
be
fimilix
with the terrain and its
many different features. Here are some things
to
consider.
Surfcm
Corzc1i~io11.s.
Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, rrrud. 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.
Su@ce
Ohstclcles.
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
0
0
0
0
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?
When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain. keep
a
firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts. troughs or other
surface features can jerk
the
wheel
out
of
your hands
if
you're
not
prepared.
When
you drive over bumps, rocks,
or
other obstacles,
your
wheels can leave
the
ground.
If
this happens, even
with one or two wheels. you can't control the vehicle
as
well
or
at
all.
Because
you
will
be
on
an unpaved surface., it's
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration,
sudden
tl1rnC
ot-
suclden braking.
In
a
way.
off-road driving requires
a
different kind of
alertness from driving
on
paved roads and highways.
There are
no
road signs. posted speed
limits
or
signal
lights.
You
have
to
use
your
own
good judgment about
what is
safe
and what isn't.
Drinking
and
driving
can be
very dangerous
on
any
1-oad.
And
this
is
certainly
true
for off-nmi driving.
At
the very tirne
you
need special alertness
and
driving
skills, your reflexes. perceptions and judgment can be
affected by
wen
a
small
amount
of
alcohol. You could
have
:I
serious
--
or
even
fital
--
accident
if
you
drink
and
drivc
or
ride
with
a
drivel- who has been drinking.
See
"Drunken Driving"
in
the Index.
4-18
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