1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner's Manual - Page 176

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 thingsto consider. Surfiuce Conditions. Off-roading can take you over When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm grip onthe steering wheel. Ruts, troughs or other surface features can jerk the wheel out of your hands if you're not prepared. When you drive over bumps, rocks, or otherobstacles, your wheels can leave the ground. If this happens, even with one or twowheels, you can't control the vehicle as well or at all. Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it's especially importantto avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns or'sudden braking. In a way, off-road driving requiresa different kind of alertness from driving paved roads and highways. on There are no road signs, posted speed limits or signal lights. You have to use your own good judgment about what is safe andwhat 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 canbe 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. hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snowor ice. Each of these surfaces affectsthe steering, acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different ways. Depending upon the kind of surfaceyou are on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction and longer braking distances. &$ace Obstacles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. -Arock, log, hole, rut or bump can startleyou 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: 0 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? 0 0 4-17