1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 144

Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control your vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to keep in mind. At higher speeds: you approach things faster and you have less time to scan the terrain for obstacles. 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 things to consider. S q h c e Corzditiorzs. Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different ways. Depending upon the kind of surfxe you are on, you may experience slipping. sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction and longer braking distances. Sr//,firc~ 00.vtwle.v. 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, snowor even the rise and f i l l of the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider: 0 you have less time to react. you have more vehicle bounce when you drive over obstacles. you'll need more distance for braking, especially since you're on an unpaved surface. 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 drivingon 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 of these subjects later.) Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction quickly? 0 4-16