Is the traffic rule to yield to vehicles going downhill when going uphill?
2 Answers
Traffic rules require yielding to vehicles going downhill when going uphill. Here is a relevant introduction to the uphill-yield-to-downhill traffic rule: 1. On narrow slopes, the vehicle going uphill has the right of way. However, if the downhill vehicle has already entered the slope while the uphill vehicle hasn't started ascending, the uphill vehicle should yield to the downhill one. This considers that vehicles going uphill are prone to stalling, which may cause traffic accidents; 2. When both uphill and downhill vehicles are at opposite ends of the slope simultaneously, the downhill vehicle proceeds first. Higher speeds during downhill travel can easily create driving hazards. Having the uphill vehicle go first would reduce potential accident severity compared to downhill vehicles.
I've been driving trucks on long-distance routes for over a decade. It's not about uphill vehicles yielding to downhill ones, but rather downhill vehicles yielding to uphill ones. Downhill trucks have inertia and are easier to control—just release the throttle to stop. However, uphill trucks accelerate slowly and face a greater risk of rolling backward if stopped on a slope, which could lead to collisions. When driving in mountainous areas, I often encounter narrow mountain roads where drivers have an unspoken understanding: downhill vehicles proactively pull over to let uphill ones pass first. I remember once on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, an oncoming downhill truck immediately gave way, allowing me to climb the slope smoothly and avoid potential skidding hazards. Safety comes first—make it a habit to slow down and wait when going downhill on slopes, and never recklessly cut in. This rule is deeply ingrained among drivers to protect everyone on the road. With more experience, you'll realize how small acts of courtesy can prevent tragedies.
