Won't help much. The bulk of your weight is on the rear tire, as well as all of the torque. You may see some increase in steering ability but it will be mitigated when your front wheel grips, your rear wheel doesn't and you wash out anyway. If you are really concerned try some cyclocross tires, (if they will fit). They don't eat up too much of your speed and offer a noticeable difference in handling off road. Even better try riding the proposed path on your slicks, or maybe a wider slick. I regularly run sand and gravel roads on my 32 slicks. Other than rear tire spin under torque, I don't every need the knobbies.