1993 Oldsmobile Bravada Owner's Manual - Page 143

F r r Surface 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, snow or even the rise and fall of the terrain itself. Here are some things toconsider: Is the path ahead clear? Wd1 the surface texture change abruptly up ahead? Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There's more discussion of these subjects later.) Will you have to stop suddenlyor change direction quickly? When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a fr grip on the steering im wheel.Ruts,troughs, ( mer surface i features canjerk the W l l G d 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 two wheels, you can't control the vehicle as well or at all. Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it's especially important to avoid sudden acceleration, sudden turns, or sudden braking. In a way, off-road driving requires a different kindof alertness from driving on 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 safe and is what isn't. CAUTION Drinking and driving can be 3very dangerous on any road. And this is certainly true for offroad driving. At the very time you need special alertness and driving skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can be affected by even a small amountof 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 theIndex under Drunken Driving.) I 11 4