When driving down a steep downgrade, what should you never do?

When driving down a steep downgrade, shifting to neutral should never be done because it removes the ability to control the vehicle effectively. When the car is in neutral, you lose engine braking, which is crucial for maintaining control and managing speed on a decline. Engine braking helps slow the car down naturally by using the engine's resistance to reduce speed. Without this control, the vehicle can gain speed rapidly, making it much harder to steer and potentially leading to dangerous situations such as loss of control or becoming unable to stop when necessary.

In contrast, staying in gear, particularly in a lower gear, is recommended as it helps maintain a safe speed without relying solely on the brakes, which can overheat if used excessively. Turning on your hazard lights is generally not a safe response while driving downhill unless there is an emergency; it might confuse other drivers regarding your intentions. Accelerating quickly is also risky as it can lead to increased speeds that are difficult to control when going downhill.