5-5 . Driving tips
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Utility vehicle precautions
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class , which has higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of off-road applications .
Utility vehicle feature
• Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary passenger cars . This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to rollover . And , utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles .
• An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road allowing you to anticipate problems .
• It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road conditions . Therefore , sharp turns at excessive speeds may cause the vehicle to rollover .
WARNING
■ Utility vehicle precautions Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of
death , serious injury or damage to your vehicle :
●In a rollover crash , an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt . Therefore , the driver and all passengers
should always fasten their seat belts .
●Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers , if at all possible .
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury .
●Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier ( if equipped ) will make the center of the vehicle gravity higher . Avoid high speeds , sudden starts , sharp turns , sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers , otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly .
●Always slow down in gusty crosswinds . Because of its profile and higher center of gravity ,
your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger car . Slowing down
will allow you to have better control .
●Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes . Driving straight up
or straight down is preferred . Your vehicle ( or any similar offroad vehicle ) can tip over sideways much more easily than forward or backward .
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Driving