1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 156

When you drive overobstacles or rough terrain, keep a firm gripon the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs orother 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 ortwo wheels, you can't control the vehicle as well or at all. Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it's especially important to avoidsudden 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 are no 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 orride 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. There are some hills that simply can't be driven, no matter how well built the vehicle. I ~ Many hills are simply toosteep for any vehicle.If you drive up them, you will stall. you drive If down them, you can't control your speed. you If drive across them, you roll over. You could be will seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt about the steepness, don't drive the hill. 4-18