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.
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.
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 longer braking distances.
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:
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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