1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 143

Environmental Concerns Off-road driving can provide wholesome and satisfying recreation. However, it also raises environmental concerns. GM recognizes these concernsand urges every off-roader to follow thesebasic rules for protecting the environment: Always use established trails, roads and areas that have been specially set aside for public off-road recreational driving; obey all posted regulations. a Avoid any driving practice that could damage the Traveling to Remote Areas It makes sense toplan your trip, especially when going to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your route. You are much less likely to get bad surprises. Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn of any blocked or closedroads. It's also a good idea to travel with at least one other vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other can help quickly. Does your vehicle have a winch? If so, be sure toread the winch instructions. In a remote area, a winch can be handy if you get stuck. But you'll want to know how to use it properly. environment -- shrubs, flowers, trees, grasses -- or disturb wildlife (this includes wheel-spinning, breaking down trees or unnecessary driving through streams or over soft ground). 0 Always carry a litter bag ...make sure all refuse is removed from any campsite before leaving. Take extreme care with open fires (where permitted), camp stoves and lanterns. Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other combustible materials that could catch firefrom the heat of the vehicle's exhaust system. Getting Familiar withOff-Road Driving It's a good idea to practice in an area that's safe and close to home before you go into the wilderness. Off-road driving does require some new and different driving skills.Here's what we mean. Tune your senses todifferent kinds of signals. Your eyes, for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen for unusual tire or enginesounds. With your arms, hands, feet and body, you'll need to respond to vibrations and vehicle bounce. 0 4-15