2006 Lincoln Navigator Driving Your SUV or Truck 1st Printing - Page 9

Driving Off-Road Driving Off-Road DRIVING OFF-ROAD "Tread Lightly" is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land-use regulations and responsibilities in our nations wilderness areas. Ford joins the U. S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by "treading lightly". Driving off-road requires good judgment to avoid personal injury and vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving off road. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. To avoid loss of control, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, especially in rough terrain. Sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion. To maintain better control and avoid injury to your hand or wrist, grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Driving on sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressure. Instead, shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. Avoid reducing tire pressure. Operating your vehicle with below the recommended tire pressure can increase the risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you choose to reduce the tire pressure for off-road operation, make sure you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible. Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the way you came if you proceed with caution. 9