Honda 2001 Passport, Owner'S Manual, Page: 281 / 317

Reading the Terrain
In nature, visual information comes
in unpredictable ways. That means
you need to stay alert, constantly
survey the terrain, and go slow
enough to analyze situations and
make good decisions.
As your eyes search the terrain
ahead, watch for changes in
surface conditions. Surfaces can
vary widely, and traction can
change quite suddenly. One
minute you can be on firm soil
and the next minute in soft sand
or deep mud. A trail or road can
quickly change from level to
bumpy. It can suddenly slope at a
dangerous angle, or even
disappear in an unexpected
drop-off.
Roads and trails aren't banked for
turns, and the edges can be steep
berms or drop-offs. When you
drive down a graded road, watch
ahead for ruts, potholes and
washouts. Some trails can offer
more surprises. A smooth,
inviting trail can suddenly twist
up or down, become very narrow,
be blocked by a fallen tree,
tangled with roots, or dwindle to a
tight dead-end.
Some areas don't have roads or
trails - just wide open spaces
where you must carefully choose
your path.
Controlling Speed
Off-road, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you'll need enough speed to keep
moving forward, especially on
sand, mud, soft snow, and when
starting up a hill. But too much
speed leads to problems.
At higher speeds you have less
time to read the terrain and make
good decisions. You'll also
bounce more, which makes
controlling the vehicle more
difficult. And there's a greater
chance of sliding if you brake or
turn quickly on wet soil, gravel or
ice. In any situation, never go
faster than conditions allow.
Off-Road Driving Information