What are the precautions for driving on mountain roads?
3 Answers
Driving on mountain roads requires certain driving skills and experience, especially under weather conditions such as snow, rain, and fog, where extra caution is necessary. A slight negligence can lead to danger. Below are several issues that should be noted. If you encounter heavy rain while driving in mountainous areas, it is essential to reduce your speed. Passengers should pay attention to the nearby mountain slopes. If the scenery is beautiful and you need to stop to enjoy it, avoid stopping at either end of a curve, especially at the ends of a convex curve. This is because oncoming vehicles that have just rounded the curve may have difficulty avoiding your parked car. There are two types of curves on mountain roads: concave curves and convex curves. A concave curve allows you to see the entire road situation when entering the turn, while a convex curve obscures the road ahead when entering the turn. Both types of curves require attention. In principle, overtaking should only be done on straight sections. However, if necessary, overtaking can also be performed on concave curves, as the road conditions ahead can be seen from a distance. Always honk when overtaking. If driving at night, slow down before entering a convex curve. This is because the headlights on a convex curve, especially a sharp one, will illuminate the valley below, making it difficult to see the road ahead. If you are not an experienced driver, you might consider following the tradition of placing a protective charm in your car for safety. While it cannot be guaranteed that this method is effective, it should not be dismissed outright as superstition, as these practices are part of the cultural heritage of the Chinese nation spanning thousands of years.
Before driving on mountain roads, I always carefully check the vehicle's condition to ensure safety. First, I inspect the tires—the tread should be deep and the pressure moderate to prevent skidding. I test the braking system several times to ensure it's responsive and reliable. I also check the engine oil and radiator to avoid breaking down midway. When driving on mountain roads, I prefer using lower gears so the engine helps control the speed, especially on steep slopes or downhill sections, reducing reliance on heavy braking and minimizing wear. I slow down before turns to avoid sudden loss of control. After the drive, I check the undercarriage and chassis for any rock impacts or mud buildup. Since mountain roads are remote with weak phone signals, I download offline maps in advance and carry an emergency kit and water. This preparation helps me avoid problems and enjoy the serene scenery.
Driving on mountain roads feels like a little adventure to me, and experience has taught me that pacing is crucial. Don't rush to step on the gas at the beginning; take your time to adapt to the undulating terrain. Maintain a steady speed when going uphill to avoid straining the engine and prevent overheating. Shift to a lower gear when descending to coast smoothly and minimize brake usage. Corners are challenging—I start slowing down about 50 meters in advance, keep both hands firmly on the wheel, and look far ahead instead of focusing on the road right in front. If I encounter foggy conditions, I turn on the fog lights to improve visibility and maintain a safe following distance. I also like to bring a music player to ease the tension of mountain driving. After all, the scenery is beautiful—once I've driven safely, I find a safe spot to pull over, take a break, and truly appreciate nature.
