How to Handle Oncoming Traffic When Driving in Mountainous Areas?

[DeMiles]

Mountain roads are relatively complex and prone to accidents. For safety reasons, it is advisable to slow down or stop to yield when encountering oncoming traffic. Below are some precautions to take when driving in mountainous areas: Avoid Overtaking on Curves: When driving on mountain roads, try to avoid overtaking. Mountain roads are generally narrow with numerous curves, making overtaking particularly dangerous under such conditions. Use Lower Gears for Uphill and Downhill Driving: When driving on mountain roads, encountering uphill and downhill sections is inevitable. For manual transmission vehicles, it is important to use lower gears. This allows the engine to better utilize its maximum torque, making uphill driving easier. For downhill driving, manual transmission vehicles should also be kept in lower gears to use the engine's braking force to control speed. Frequent braking on long downhill slopes can easily lead to brake disc overheating, which may reduce braking performance or even cause failure. Maintain Safe Distance and Speed: Due to the numerous curves and poor visibility on mountain roads, it is essential to drive at a low speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Additionally, be cautious of animals suddenly darting onto the road. Stay calm and avoid swerving the steering wheel blindly, as this can easily lead to rollovers or falling off cliffs.