1996 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 147

Controlling your vehicleis the key to successful control your off-road driving. Oneof the best ways to vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to keep in mind. At higher speeds: Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar withthe terrain and its many different features. Here are some things consider. to Su$ace Conditions. Off-roading can take you over 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. 0 you'll need more distance for braking, especially since you're on an unpaved surface. hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each of these surfacesaffects the steering, acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different ways. Depending upon the kind of surface you areon, 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 bump can startle you or if you're not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snowor even the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Hereare some thingsto consider: 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. 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 these subjects later.) of Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly? 0 4-16