Illustration: steering into the fall line.
Illustration: use the doors facing up hill to get out of the
vehicle.
Traversing a slope is one of the most dangerous offroad situations →
.
Check whether you can use another safer route before driving across a slope.
If you have to traverse a slope:
—The vehicle’s centre of gravity should be as low as possible. People with a larger or heavier build should sit on the higher side of the
vehicle. Remove the roof carrier and secure heavy items. The vehicle could tip over if items were to slide suddenly →
.
—If possible, the ground must be firm. The vehicle is more likely to slip sideways and tip over on slippery or soft ground. Always make
sure that the inclination angle does not become too great due to uneven ground. If the inclination angle is too great, the vehicle
could tip and roll over.
—When driving across a slope at a large tilt angle, the wheels on the lower side of the vehicle must never enter dips or hollows. The
wheels on the higher side of the vehicle must never drive over bumps, for example stones, tree trunks or other obstacles.
—If the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer immediately into the fall line and accelerate slightly → Fig. 1. If it is not possible to steer
into the fall line, steer up the hill and accelerate slightly.
WARNING
A vehicle that is driving or standing sideways on a slope can slip uncontrollably, tip over, roll over and roll down the slope. This can
cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.
● Never try to drive at an angle on a slope, particularly if the slope is too steep for the vehicle.
● Never choose a dangerous route or take a risk that endangers you and the vehicle occupants.
● Turn around and choose another route if you are not able to continue or if you are unsure about the safety of the route.
● You should never underestimate the difficulty and danger of traversing a slope.
● Never allow the wheels on the lower side of the vehicle to enter dips or hollows.
● Never drive over bumps, for example stones, tree trunks or other obstacles, with the wheels on the higher side of the vehicle.
● Make sure that you can steer into the fall line before driving across a slope. Choose a different route if this is not possible.
● If the vehicle threatens to tip over, steer immediately into the fall line and accelerate slightly → Fig. 1.
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