What does this sign warn you about?
Right.Not quite. The answer is C.
Choose a lower gear before the descent so the engine helps control your speed and the brakes do not overheat.
Source: Safe driving practice
Warning sign · Curves and hills
Steep descent warning sign
A steep downhill section is ahead, so choose a lower gear before it.
Asked in general knowledgeAsked in road safetyShown in 4 practice questionsAdvisory: it warns, it does not command
What it means
What does the steep descent sign mean in NSW?
A black wedge drops away to the right with a small car tilted down its slope. It warns of a hill steep or long enough that relying on the brakes alone can overheat them, at which point they fade and stop working well. You meet it on mountain passes, escarpment roads and some steep town streets. Gravity keeps pushing your speed up the whole way down.
What to do
- 1
Change to a lower gear at the top, before you start down.
- 2
In an automatic, use the low or manual gear setting if the car has one.
- 3
Brake firmly in short spells rather than riding the pedal.
Practice questions with this sign
You see this sign coming up on a mountain road. When should you change to a lower gear?
Right.Not quite. The answer is C.
The sign warns of a steep descent. A lower gear chosen before the slope helps hold your speed without overheating the brakes.
Source: Safe driving practice
Common questions
- Why use a low gear going down a steep hill?
- Engine braking holds your speed so the brakes stay cool and ready for when you need them.
- Can brakes fail on a long descent?
- They can fade badly if they overheat, which is why a lower gear and short firm braking help.
Your L plate turns green when you would pass
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