What is the risk in shifting gears while driving a heavy vehicle down a steep descent?
- There is no risk in shifting gears, and gears are not so important, as long as one of them is operated.
- Shifting gears while driving down a steep descent is not dangerous.
- There is no danger. By shifting from low gear to high gear while driving on a steep descent, the vehicle can drive faster.
- Correct answer: There is a risk that the gear would not shift and the vehicle would stay in neutral gear.
Why this is the answer
The correct answer in the official bank: There is a risk that the gear would not shift and the vehicle would stay in neutral gear.
On a steep descent a heavy vehicle gains speed quickly, and shifting while moving can fail. If the gear does not engage, the vehicle stays in neutral with no engine braking, so the brakes may overheat and lose effectiveness. Choose a suitable low gear before starting down the slope and keep it all the way. Shifting to a higher gear downhill only adds speed and danger.