DRIVING OFF-ROAD
“Tread Lightly” is an educational
program designed to increase
public awareness of land-use
regulations and responsibilities in
our nations wilderness areas.
Ford joins the U. S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest
and other public and private lands by “treading lightly”.
Driving off-road requires good judgment to avoid personal injury and
vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. Know
the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving off road. Map out
your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking
control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and
they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. To avoid loss of control,
maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, especially in rough terrain.
Sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel
motion. To maintain better control and avoid injury to your hand
or wrist, grip the steering wheel from the outside. Do not grip the
spokes.
Driving on sand
When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels on the most solid
area of the trail. Avoid reducing the tire pressure. Instead, shift to a
lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply the accelerator
slowly and avoid spinning the wheels.
Avoid reducing tire pressure. Operating your vehicle with below
the recommended tire pressure can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death. If you
choose to reduce the tire pressure for off-road operation, make sure
you re-inflate the tires as soon as possible.
Avoid excessive speed because vehicle momentum can work against you
and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may
be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back
out the way you came if you proceed with caution.
Driving Off-Road
Driving Off-Road
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