1998 GMC Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 209

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. 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, or other obstacles, 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 surfxe, it's especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns or sudden braking. Surface Conditions. Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snowor ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering, acceleration and braking of your vehicle in difierent ways. Depending upon the kind of surface you are on, you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning, delayed acceleration, poor traction and longer braking distances. Sufc~ce Obstacles. 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 fall of the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider: Is the path ahead clear? 0 I n a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of alertness from drivingon 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 or ride with a driver who has been drinking. See "Drunken Driving" i n the Index. Will the surface texture change abnlptly 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? 4-17