1995 GMC Jimmy Owner's Manual - Page 169

Surface Obstacles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, bump can startle you if you're not prepared for them. Often or these obstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Hereare 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.) 0 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 jerk the wheel out of your hands if you're not prepared. When you drive over bumps, rocks, orother obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground. If this happens, even with one or two wheels, you can't control the vehicle as wellor at all. Because you will be on 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 andhighways. There are no road signs, posted speed limits own good judgment about what issafe or signal lights. You have to use your and what isn't. Drinking and driving can be very dangerouson 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 anddrive 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 understandingof what your vehicle can and can't do. There are some hills that simply can't bedriven, no matter how well built the vehicle. 4- 15