1995 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 148

Sur$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 somethings to consider: Is the path ahead clear? 0 0 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 stopsuddenly or change direction quickly? 0 When you drive overobstacles or rough terrain, keep a f r grip on the im steering wheel. Ruts, troughs, or other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands if you're not prepared. When you drive overbumps, 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 beon an unpaved surface, it's especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns, or sudden braking. In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of alertness from driving on paved roads and highways. There areno 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 this is certainly true for 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 of alcohol. You could have a serious - or even fatal - accident if you drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. (See "Drunken Driving" in the Index.) Driving On Off-Road Hills Off-road driving often takes you up, down, or across a hill. Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what your vehicle can and can't do. Thereare some hills that simply can't be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle. 4- 15