Controlling your vehicle is the key to successful off-roaddriving. One of the best ways to control your vehicleis to control your speed. Here are some things to keepin mind. At higher speeds:• You approach things faster and you have less timeto scan the terrain for obstacles.• You have less time to react.• You have more vehicle bounce when you drive overobstacles.• You will need more distance for braking, especiallysince you are on an unpaved surface.{CAUTION:When you are driving off-road, bouncing andquick changes in direction can easily throwyou out of position. This could cause you tolose control and crash. So, whether you aredriving on or off the road, you and yourpassengers should wear safety belts.Scanning the TerrainOff-road driving can take you over many different kindsof terrain. You need to be familiar with the terrainand its many different features. Here are some things toconsider.Surface Conditions: Off-roading can take you overhard-packed dirt, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, snow,or ice. Each of these surfaces affects the steering,acceleration, and braking of your vehicle in differentways. Depending upon the kind of surface you are on,you may experience slipping, sliding, wheel spinning,delayed acceleration, poor traction, and longer brakingdistances.Surface Obstacles: Unseen or hidden obstacles canbe hazardous. A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can startleyou if you are not prepared for them. Often theseobstacles are hidden by grass, bushes, snow, or eventhe rise and fall of the terrain itself. Here are somethings 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 directionquickly?4-16
