GMC 2003 Envoy - Manual (Page 251)

Coni roll ifig yotif vehicle is the key io successful cff-road
cfrlviog. One of the best ways to control your vehicle
IS
10 control your speed. Here are some things to keep
tn mind. Al higher speeds:
• you approach Ihings faster and you have less time
to scan ihe terrain lor obstacles.
• you have ;es5 time to reactn
• you have more vehicle bounce when you drive over
obstactes.
• ynii'tl need more distance for braking, especially
since you'ro un an unpaved surface.
When you're driving off-ro&d, bouncing and
qglch changes in (jirection can easily throw
you out ot position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. So, whether you're
driving on or off the road, you and your
passengers should wear safety belts.
Oti-rogd dnving can lake you over many different kinds
of terrain. You need to be iamiliar with tlie terrain
and its many difterenl (eatures. Hare are same things to
consider.
Surface Conditions: Off^rgading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravely rocks, grass, send, mud, snow
or ice. Each of thos^ surf ocas affects the steanng,
acceleration and brakfng of your vehicle in differem
ways. Depending upon the kind ot surface you are on,
you may experience slipping, sliding, v;heel spinning,
delayed aocsleration^ poor traction and longer braking
distances.
Surface Obstacles: Unseen or hidden obstacles can
he hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut or bump can startle
you if you're not prepared for them. Often ihoso
obslacica ara hidden by grass, bushes, snow or even
the tise and fait of Ihg terrain itself. Here are some
things to consider:
• Is ihe pa]h ahead clear?
• Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead?
• Does the travel take you uphill or downhill?
(There's imore discussion of these subjects laler.)
• Will you have to stop suddenly or change direction
quickty?
Scanning the Terrain
4^1 S