1997 GMC Jimmy Owner's Manual - Page 183

Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over many different kinds of terrain. You need to be fimilix with the terrain and its many different features. Here are some thingsto consider. S u r f c m Corzc1i~io11.s. Off-roading can take you over hard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand,rrrud. snow or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering. acceleration and braking of your vehicle in different 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. When you drive over obstacles orrough terrain. keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts. troughs or other surface features canjerk the wheel o u t of your hands if you're n o t prepared. When you drive over bumps, rocks,or other obstacles, your wheels can leave the ground. I f this happens, even with one or two wheels.you can't control the vehicle a s well o r a t a l l . Because y o u will be on an unpaved surface., it's especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden tl1rnC o t - suclden braking. In a way. off-road driving requires a different kind of alertness from driving o n paved roads and highways. There are no road signs. posted speed limits or signal lights. You have t o use your own good judgment about what is safe and what isn't. Su@ce Ohstclcles. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be hazardous. A rock, log, hole, r u t or bump can startle you if you're not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are. hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider: 0 Is the path ahead clear? 0 0 Will the surface texture change abruptlyup 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 Drinking and driving can be very dangerous o n any 1-oad. And this i s certainly true for off-nmi driving. At the very tirne you need special alertness and driving skills, your reflexes. perceptions and judgment can be affected by wen a small amount of alcohol. You could have :I serious -- o r even f i t a l - - accident if you drink and drivc or ride with a drivel- who has been drinking. See "Drunken Driving" in the Index. 4-18