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Question

Difficulty: EasyMountain Driving and Steep Downgrades

Before starting down a steep mountain downgrade, a commercial motor vehicle driver should shift the transmission into a low gear before beginning the descent rather than shifting during the descent.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because gravity accelerates a commercial vehicle rapidly on steep downgrades, and shifting before beginning the descent ensures the engine compression braking is actively engaged without risking transmission lockout in neutral.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the operational requirement for transmission gear selection on mountain downgrades.
Identify that the primary control of vehicle speed on a downgrade relies on engine braking in an appropriate low gear.
Service brakes should only serve as a supplement to engine braking to prevent overheating and brake fade.
2
Evaluate the procedural timing of the gear shift relative to the start of the downgrade.
Confirm that all downshifting must take place prior to beginning the descent.
Attempting to shift during descent carries a high risk of getting stuck in neutral due to momentum and engine RPM mismatch.
3
Determine the truth value of the presented statement.
The statement is true.
CDL safe driving standards mandate shifting into a lower gear before cresting the downgrade.

Key Concept

Pre-descent lower gear selection for steep downgrade control
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Mountain Driving and Steep Downgrades

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