Final answer:
Before going down a steep grade with a heavy vehicle, check your brakes, engage lower gear, maintain a safe speed, and stay focused.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before going down a steep grade with a heavy vehicle, you should take several precautions to ensure safety:
- Check Your Brakes: Make sure your brakes are in good working condition before descending. Test them at the top of the hill to ensure they are responsive.
- Engage Lower Gear: Shift into a lower gear, such as using your vehicle's engine braking feature or manually shifting to a lower gear. This will help control your speed and reduce reliance on the brakes.
- Maintain a Safe Speed: Stay at a slow, controlled speed to prevent the vehicle from gaining too much momentum while descending.
- Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and maintain focus on the road ahead. Be aware of any potential hazards or changes in the grade.