To brake safely while traveling downhill, … a) avoid using your brakes altogether b) pump your brakes furiously at the crest of the hill

To brake safely while traveling downhill, …

a) avoid using your brakes altogether

b) pump your brakes furiously at the crest of the hill

c) apply steady pressure to the brake pedal all the way down the grade

d) alternately brake and release to preserve your braking power

Answer: c. apply steady pressure to the brake pedal all the way down the grade

The safest method of speed control when driving down a slope is to maintain some constant pressure on the brakes. Options a and d, wild braking or alternating small bursts of brake application then release can be problematic as the heat generated will cause fading. The best way of slowing down is to avoid sudden jabs on the pedal but gently pressure it for a soft scrubbing. This ensures that the brake components cool down before subsequent applications, resulting in sustained peak braking performance. It is not safe to drive through the curve using option a) because gravity will immediately accelerate the vehicle without braking. It is needed to brake in order to stop one’s fall. Applying them evenly throughout the downhill slope ensures control while minimizing heat inconsistencies that could cause brake fade. This constant force results in a smooth uniform slowing down of the car on descent. Speed is to be driven, not stopped . The best way to maintain a safe speed during the entire descent downhill is keeping consistent braking pressure but, of course, if one need to stop completely at the bottom then the brake response stays responsive.