1994 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 152

Surface Obstacles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. rock, A log, hole, rut, or bump can startle if you're not preparedfor them. Often you these obstacles are hidden grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and of by fall 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? When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can the wheel jerk out of your hands if you're not prepared. When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground. this happens, even with one or two wheels, you can't If control the vehicle as well or at all. Because you will beon an unpaved surface, it's especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns, sudden braking. or 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 road. And is this certainly truefor off-road driving. At the very time you need special alertness and driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can be affected by even a small amount alcohol. You could have a serious or of even fatal- accident if you drink and drive ride with a driver who has or been drinking. (See "Drunken Driving" in the Index.) 4-16.