Is it allowed to overtake when driving downhill on mountain roads?
3 Answers
Vehicles are not allowed to overtake when driving downhill on steep mountain roads. The following is a detailed introduction about traffic violations: 1. Overview: Traffic violations refer to motor vehicles violating the Road Traffic Safety Law and traffic management regulations. Penalties for traffic violations include warnings, fines (vehicle seizure), temporary suspension of driver's license, revocation of driver's license, cancellation of driver's license, administrative detention, and criminal liability for acts that constitute crimes. 2. Basis for punishment: According to the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China', traffic management departments of public security organs and their traffic police should promptly correct road traffic safety violations. Penalties for road traffic safety violations should be imposed based on facts and relevant provisions of this law.
Having driven trucks in mountainous areas for twenty years, I deeply understand how dangerous overtaking on downhill slopes can be. On downhill sections, the effect of gravity is significant, causing the vehicle speed to increase uncontrollably, which puts extra strain on the brakes and can lead to overheating and failure. Mountain roads are also full of curves, and visibility is often blocked by cliffs, making it impossible to predict if there’s oncoming traffic in the opposite lane. Reckless overtaking could result in a head-on collision. Once on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, I attempted to overtake a slow-moving vehicle on a downhill slope, only to see an SUV speeding toward me just after rounding a bend. Fortunately, I managed to pull back in time, or the consequences would have been unthinkable. My advice is to use a lower gear to control speed when going downhill and avoid rushing to overtake. If you must overtake, choose straight sections with gentle slopes to ensure sufficient visibility and a safe distance. Road safety is far more important than saving time.
Having driven for half a lifetime, I adhere to one principle when driving in mountainous areas: never overtake casually on downhill slopes. Why? Because downhill speed is faster, inertia is greater, and overtaking on curves or slippery roads can easily lead to rollovers or loss of control if mishandled. I remember once in the mountainous areas of Yunnan, I overtook on a rainy downhill slope, skidded, and nearly hit the guardrail, breaking out in a cold sweat. Mountain roads are narrow, with oncoming traffic appearing and disappearing unpredictably, making overtaking and occupying lanes extremely risky. The braking performance of ordinary vehicles can't withstand prolonged stress. I always remind my friends to follow patiently on downhill slopes, using engine braking to stabilize the throttle. There are no shortcuts to safe driving. When encountering steep slopes, suppress the urge to overtake for a while and wait for flat sections or uphill slopes to take action.
