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.
0
you have more vehicle bounce when
you
drive
over obstacles.
0
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially
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.
Sufnce
Corzditions.
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.
Su$uce
Obsmcles.
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?
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Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
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Does the travel take
you
uphill or downhill? (There’s
I
more discussion
of
these subjects later.)
Will you have
to
stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?
4-17
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