4-23
Scanning the Terrain
Off
-
road driving can take you over many different
kinds of terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrain
and its many different features. Here are some things
to consider.
Surface Conditions. Off
-
roading can take you over
hard
-
packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud,
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.
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 to consider:
D Is the path ahead clear?
D Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
D Does the travel take you uphill or downhill? (There’s
more discussion of these subjects later.)
D Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quickly?
When you drive over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a
firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs or other
surface features can jerk the wheel 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 kind of
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 is safe and what isn’t.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any
road. And this is certainly true for off
-
road driving.
At the very time you need special alertness and driving
skills, your reflexes, perceptions and judgment can be
affected by even a small amount of 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 “Drunken Driving” in the Index.
Summary of Contents for SIERRA 2002
Page 1: ......
Page 6: ...v These are some examples of vehicle symbols you may find on your vehicle ...
Page 19: ...1 12 Take the simplest vehicle Suppose it s just a seat on wheels Put someone on it ...
Page 81: ...1 74 NOTES ...
Page 175: ...2 94 The Instrument Panel Your Information System ...
Page 355: ...5 28 Front Position 2WD 1500 Series Front Position All Other Models ...
Page 358: ...5 31 Front Position 2WD 1500 Series Front Position All Other Models ...
Page 367: ...5 40 NOTES ...
Page 406: ...6 39 Power Steering Fluid 8100 V8 Engine All Other Engines ...
Page 442: ...6 75 GM Vehicle Care Appearance Materials ...
Page 449: ...6 82 ...
Page 464: ...Scheduled Maintenance 7 7 ...
Page 465: ...Scheduled Maintenance 7 8 ...
Page 487: ...7 30 Maintenance Record DATE ODOMETER READING SERVICED BY MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ...