Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumCoasting and Vehicle Control

Before negotiating a sharp bend on a rural road, a driver fully depresses the clutch pedal and freewheels into the corner. Why is this action hazardous to vehicle control?

  1. A
    It significantly increases the driver's thinking distance before reacting to hazards.
  2. B
    It causes the steering wheel to lock completely while the vehicle is in motion.
  3. It removes engine braking and degrades steering stability through the turn.Answer
  4. D
    It triggers the anti-lock braking system to activate under normal steering.

Answer

It removes engine braking and degrades steering stability through the turn.
Under Highway Code Rule 122, coasting (travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down) removes engine braking, causing the vehicle to rely entirely on the footbrake and significantly reducing steering response and stability on corners.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the mechanical consequence of keeping the clutch pedal pressed down when approaching a bend.
Disengaging the clutch separates the engine from the driven wheels, eliminating the natural restraining effect of engine braking.
Engine braking provides predictable deceleration without relying solely on the footbrake.
2
Evaluate the vehicle handling consequences of coasting into a turn under Highway Code Rule 122.
Without engine power driving the wheels or engine braking steadying the chassis, the car has less directional stability and steering response becomes less precise.
Maintaining gear engagement keeps the vehicle settled and responsive throughout the corner.

Key Concept

Coasting reduces vehicle control by eliminating engine braking and impairing steering responsiveness, particularly on bends.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Coasting and Vehicle Control

More questions from this topic