Cadillac 2007 Escalade - Manual (Page 339)

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. Here are 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?
There is more discussion of these
subjects later.
• 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 are
not prepared.
When you drive over bumps, rocks, or other
obstacles, the wheels can leave the ground.
If this happens, even with one or two wheels,
you cannot control the vehicle as well or at all.
Because you will be on an unpaved surface, it is
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
is not.
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 on page 319.
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