Terrain Hazards

Soil Conditions

Look for:

• Gravel/soil conditions – poor traction.
• Loose soil over a firm clay or rock base, which may slip underweight.
• Wet & slippery hard-packed clay.
• Soft spots – mud – hidden wheel ruts.

Water Hazards

• Be aware of all water situations.
  –  standing water & marshy areas.
  –  hidden boulders, can cause a sudden shift of the load.
• Unless you are certain the depth of water does not exceed a safe operating level, do not drive through a body of water.

Trees

• Be careful driving thru wooded areas.

Consider:

• extension of load – forks, buckets, other machine or vehicle parts.
• hidden hazards – branches & brush can cover gullies or obscure slope edges

* roll-over hazard.

• watch for rocks & stumps.

Hills, Slopes, Inclines

Know the location of all;

• slopes
• drop-offs
• overhangs

Driving on slopes or inclines can be dangerous. It can result in vehicle tip-over or loss of load.
Avoid these areas whenever possible.

Culverts…concerns are:

• lack of necessary support for the load.
• heavy loads
  – culvert can give way & collapse.
• insufficient backfill,
  – the vehicle can slide into the ditch.
• loose soil,
  – the vehicle can slide when crossing.

* Always exercise caution with culverts.