Negotiating Downgrades

Jun 09

Posted in Safety

Negotiating Downgrades

Test brakes before entering a long or steep grade

The gear selected for a downgrade should never be higher than that which a driver would use to ascend the same grade

In emergency braking scenarios, use “stab braking”, a method in which the driver applies the brake fully, then releases it once the wheels lock up. As soon as the wheels begin spinning, apply full brakes again.

 ***Important: Fully braking does not imply jamming on the brakes all at once, this will cause a skid and consequently, loss of control

Don’t use the hand lever to apply only the trailer brakes because it can cause overheating creating the conditions for fire and/or brake failure