Driving on steep hills can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you're not used to it. The slightest mistake can result in a severe car accident. This article will highlight six tips for safely driving down steep hills and preventing a car accident.
Don't Drive Down Steep Hills If You're Not Comfortable With It
This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you're not comfortable driving down steep hills, don't do it. Driving down a hill is a skill that takes time and practice to master, so if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to avoid the hills altogether. Take an alternate route.
Do Not Shift Into Neutral
You've probably heard that you should shift into neutral when driving down a hill to save gas. However, this is generally not recommended, as it can be dangerous. Shifting into neutral may take your foot off the brake, which means that if you start to slide, you won't be able to stop yourself from going careening down the hill. Also, when you're in neutral, your car can still roll backward or forwards, which increases your chances of losing control.
Maintain Constant Speed
This is not the right time to show off your driving skills. When driving down a hill, it's important to maintain a constant speed. If you start to slow down, you may risk losing control of your car. If you accelerate, it can result in your tires losing grip, leading to an accident.
Speaking of speed, be sure to pay attention to the speed limit. Drive at the speed limit or below when driving down a hill. This will help you maintain control.
Use Low Gears
This is another important tip to remember when driving down a hill. When you're in low gears, your car will have more control, which means you'll generally be less likely to lose traction or end up in a ditch.
Avoid Braking When Driving Down a HillBraking while driving down a hill can cause your car to skid and lose control. Try to avoid braking if you can, and if you do need to brake, do so early and gradually. If you brake hard, you're more likely to lose control of your car. Additionally, if you start braking too late, you may not have enough time to stop before reaching the bottom of the hill.
Be Prepared for the Worst
If something goes wrong, you'll want to be ready to take action. We're not trying to scare you, but it's important to be prepared for the worst. This means keeping your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your foot on the brake pedal.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Were you involved in a St. Louis car wreck caused by someone else's negligence? At the Hoffman Law Firm, we understand how difficult this time can be for you and your loved ones. That's why we're here to help. For over 20 years we have been working tirelessly to get car accident victims the compensation they deserve, so they can focus on recovering from their injuries. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.
Don't Drive Down Steep Hills If You're Not Comfortable With It
This may seem like a no-brainer, but if you're not comfortable driving down steep hills, don't do it. Driving down a hill is a skill that takes time and practice to master, so if you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to avoid the hills altogether. Take an alternate route.
Do Not Shift Into Neutral
You've probably heard that you should shift into neutral when driving down a hill to save gas. However, this is generally not recommended, as it can be dangerous. Shifting into neutral may take your foot off the brake, which means that if you start to slide, you won't be able to stop yourself from going careening down the hill. Also, when you're in neutral, your car can still roll backward or forwards, which increases your chances of losing control.
Maintain Constant Speed
This is not the right time to show off your driving skills. When driving down a hill, it's important to maintain a constant speed. If you start to slow down, you may risk losing control of your car. If you accelerate, it can result in your tires losing grip, leading to an accident.
Speaking of speed, be sure to pay attention to the speed limit. Drive at the speed limit or below when driving down a hill. This will help you maintain control.
Use Low Gears
This is another important tip to remember when driving down a hill. When you're in low gears, your car will have more control, which means you'll generally be less likely to lose traction or end up in a ditch.
Avoid Braking When Driving Down a HillBraking while driving down a hill can cause your car to skid and lose control. Try to avoid braking if you can, and if you do need to brake, do so early and gradually. If you brake hard, you're more likely to lose control of your car. Additionally, if you start braking too late, you may not have enough time to stop before reaching the bottom of the hill.
Be Prepared for the Worst
If something goes wrong, you'll want to be ready to take action. We're not trying to scare you, but it's important to be prepared for the worst. This means keeping your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road, and your foot on the brake pedal.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Were you involved in a St. Louis car wreck caused by someone else's negligence? At the Hoffman Law Firm, we understand how difficult this time can be for you and your loved ones. That's why we're here to help. For over 20 years we have been working tirelessly to get car accident victims the compensation they deserve, so they can focus on recovering from their injuries. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a free case evaluation.