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
over obstacles.
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially
since
you’re on an unpaved surface.
A
C
*
UTION:
I
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.
Surjace
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.
Su$ace
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?
4-17
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