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uuFor Safe Driving uImportant Handling Information
Safe Driving
Important Handling Information
Your vehicle has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle designed for use
only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-highway
driving. It allows you to travel over bu mps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also
provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.
These advantages come at so me cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher
off the ground, it has a higher center gravity making it more susceptible to tripping
or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Ut ility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more li kely to die than a person wearin g a seat belt. As a reminder,
make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.1Important Handling Information
Failure to operate your vehi cle correctly might result
in a crash or a roll over.
2 Precautions While Driving P. 226
2 Off-Highway Driving Guidelines P. 220
220
Driving
Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
General Information
Your vehicle has been designed primarily for use on pavement, however, its higher
ground clearance allows you to occasionally travel on unpaved roads.
It is not designed for tra il-blazing, or other challe nging off-road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved roads, you will find that it requires somewhat
different driving skills and that your vehicle will handle somewhat differently than it
does on pavement. Pay attention to the precautions and tips in this section, and get
acquainted with your vehicle before leaving the pavement.
Important Safety Precautions
To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all precautions and
recommendations:
• Be sure to store cargo properly and do not exceed your cargo load limits.
2 Maximum Load Limit P. 213
•Whenever you drive, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts.
• Keep your speed low, and never go faster than the conditions allow.
• It’s up to you to continually assess the situation and drive within the limits.
1Off-Highway Driving Guidelines
Failure to operate your vehi cle correctly might result
in a crash or a roll over.
2 Important Handling Information P. 24
2 Precautions While Driving P. 226
3WARNING
Improperly operating this vehicle on or
off-pavement can cause a crash or
rollover in which you and your
passengers can be seriously injured or
killed.
•Follow all instructions and guidelines
in this owner’s manual.
• Keep your speed low, and don’t drive
faster than conditions permit.
