Stalling on an Incline{ CAUTION:Getting out on the downhill (low) side of a vehiclestopped across an incline is dangerous. If thevehicle rolls over, you could be crushed or killed.Always get out on the uphill (high) side of thevehicle and stay well clear of the rollover path.If the vehicle stalls when crossing an incline, be sure you,and any passengers, get out on the uphill side, even if thedoor there is harder to open. If you get out on the downhillside and the vehicle starts to roll over, you will be right inits path.If you have to walk down the slope, stay out of the paththe vehicle will take if it does roll over.Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or IceWhen you drive in mud, snow, or sand, the wheels do notget good traction. Acceleration is not as quick, turning ismore difficult, and braking distances are longer.It is best to use a low gear when in mud — the deeperthe mud, the lower the gear. In really deep mud,keep the vehicle moving so it does not get stuck.When driving on sand, wheel traction changes. Onloosely packed sand, such as on beaches or sand dunes,the tires will tend to sink into the sand. This affectssteering, accelerating, and braking. Drive at a reducedspeed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.Hard packed snow and ice offer the worst tire traction.On these surfaces, it is very easy to lose control.On wet ice, for example, the traction is so poor thatyou will have difficulty accelerating. And, if the vehicledoes get moving, poor steering and difficult brakingcan cause it to slide out of control.{ CAUTION:Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers can bedangerous. Underwater springs, currents underthe ice, or sudden thaws can weaken the ice. Yourvehicle could fall through the ice and you and yourpassengers could drown. Drive your vehicle onsafe surfaces only.4-22
