Cadillac 2011 Escalade ESV - Manual (Page 333)

Black plate (11,1) Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-11
. The vehicle has more bounce
when driving over obstacles.
. More braking distance is
needed, especially on an
unpaved surface.
{
WARNING
When you are driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes in
direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause
you to lose control and crash.
So, whether you are driving on
or off the road, you and your
passengers should wear safety
belts.
Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over
many different kinds of terrain.
Be familiar with the terrain and its
many different features.
Surface Conditions: Off-roading
surfaces can be hard-packed dirt,
gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud,
snow, or ice. Each of these surfaces
affects the vehicle's steering,
acceleration, and braking in different
ways. Depending on the surface,
slipping, sliding, wheel spinning,
delayed acceleration, poor traction,
and longer braking distances can
occur.
Surface Obstacles: Unseen or
hidden obstacles can be hazardous.
A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can
startle you if you are not prepared
for them. Often these obstacles are
hidden by grass, bushes, snow,
or even the rise and fall of the
terrain itself.
Some things to consider:
. Is the path ahead clear?
. Will the surface texture change
abruptly up ahead?
. Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill?
. Will you have to stop suddenly
or change direction quickly?