Steep Roads & Mountain Roads

Uphill vs Downhill Priority

On narrow mountain roads, the uphill driver generally has priority – reversing uphill is harder and more dangerous than reversing downhill.

If a heavier vehicle (truck, bus) is descending, the lighter vehicle going uphill yields. On signed postal-bus roads, the postal bus has absolute priority.

Crossing on narrow mountain roads: whoever is closer to the next passing place reverses.

Using Engine Braking

• Long downhill: shift to a low gear and let the engine brake

• Avoid continuous use of the foot brake – brake discs overheat (fade) and effectiveness drops

• Brake pedal feels spongy / smells of burning = stop, let brakes cool

• Manual / automatic both have a low gear or hill-descent mode

Curves, Snow Chains and Visibility

In curves, keep strictly to your side. Many mountain accidents happen because drivers cut the curve.

In snow or ice, use winter tyres and carry snow chains. Where signed, snow chains are mandatory on the drive wheels.