1998 Chevrolet Blazer Owner's Manual - Page 198

Environmental Concerns Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. However,it also raises environmental concerns. GM recognizes these concerns and urges every off-roader to follow these basic rules for protecting the environment: 0 Traveling to Remote Areas It makes senseto plan your trip, especially when going to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your route. You are much less likelyto get bad surprises. Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Trylearn of any to blocked or closed roads. It's also a good ideato travel with atleast one other vehicle. If something happens toone of them, the other can help quickly. Does your vehicle have a winch? so, be sure to read If the winch instructions. In a remote area, a winch canbe handy if you get stuck. But you'll want know how to to use it properly. Always use established trails, roads and areas that have been specially set aside for public off-road recreational driving; obey all posted regulations. Avoid any drivingpractice that could damage the environment -- shrubs, flowers, trees, grasses-- or disturb wildlife (this includes wheel-spinning, breaking down treesor unnecessary driving through streams or over soft ground). Always carry a litter bag ...make sure all refuse is removed from any campsite before leaving. Take extreme care with open (where permitted), fires camp stoves and lanterns. Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other combustible materials that could catch from the fire heat of the vehicle's exhaust system. 0 0 Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving It's a good idea to practice in an area that's and safe close to home before yougo into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and different driving skills. Here's what we mean. Tune your sensesto different kinds of signals. Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Yourears need to listen for unusual tire or engine sounds. With your arms, hands, feet and body, you'll need respond to vibrations and to vehicle bounce. 0 0 4-16