Imagine you are in a hilly area to reach a famous mountain spot. But suddenly, you see a steep road with sharp turns and slopes. This can be risky for you especially when you are a new driver.
Therefore, we have made this easy guide for you. You will learn how to drive upward or downward and how to park on steep roads.
Steep Road Meaning
A steep road is a road that has a sharp vertical slope. The “steep” word itself means something that goes upward and downward gradually. Basically, these roads are made on mountains and hills where the land is uneven. Therefore, you can face difficulty when you drive on these roads without any preparation.
Steep Hill Sign Meaning
You can see steep hill road signs near curves, mountains and hilly roads. This sign comes with a figure of 10%, 20%, and 30% gradient etc. These signs are common near villages, towns & small cities.
Steep Hill Upwards Sign
This is a triangular sign board which has a bold black slope. This slope is angled upward from left to right. A red border across this triangle with a white background makes it more specific. Actually, it is used to alert you that the upcoming road is sloped toward mountains so be ready.
Steep Hill Downwards Sign
The appearance of downward signs is almost the same as your upward sign. The only thing that varies is its direction of black block. In this sign, that black block declines toward the bottom of hills. Sometimes, a gradient percentage is also mentioned on it. For example, 10%, 20% and 30%.
Steep Road Driving or Steep Hill Driving
How to Drive up a Steep Hill in a Manual?
You can face many problems when you drive on a steep hill. Because cars can slide back when you drive upward. So you must follow these guidelines if you are near a hilly area.
- Pick Right Gears: When you start to go on the uphill, then shift gears to first and second. It will give the engine more power. In these gears, your vehicle will get support to maintain constant speed.
- Maintain Acceleration: Do not stop a car on an upright road. Actually, this position puts double pressure on the engine. If you are in a manual car and you have to stop then use handbreak. Otherwise, the car can roll back.
- Make Control on Clutch: In case, when you stop on a hilly road then you need more attention when you start the car again. At that time, your control on the clutch must be accurate. You have to make sure that the clutch and accelerator are in perfect balance when you release the handbrake.
- Make Safe Space: When you are on a steep road then make a safe space from other vehicles. Because it is not easy to drive on hilly roads.Therefore, a car in front of you can move back suddenly.
How to Drive on Downward Road?
Some drivers think that it is easy to drive downward. But it is not true, you need more attention when you move down a steep road. So, you can follow these steps to make it safe.
- Use Engine Brakes: Do not depend on brakes completely, instead put the gear down. In this way the engine will help you to control speed on slope. Moreover, it protects brakes and provides you more control.
- Stay In Lane: When a steep road turns it makes things more difficult for you. So, when you see a curve ahead then stay in your lane and reduce speed. At that time, keep an eye on upcoming vehicles like cars, vans and motorcycles.
- Do not Overuse Brakes: At such a road, when you really feel that you have to put brakes then you can use it. But do not press it constantly because it can produce heat on brake pads. Therefore, put short & firm brakes and then leave it.
- Keep Safe Distance: It is really necessary to make a distance from vehicles when you are on a slant. Actually, this thing will give you extra time to react and protect you from accidents.
Additional Steep Hill Driving Tips
In mountainous areas weather is not always good. Therefore, you can face extreme weather conditions like rain, fog, landslides and thunder.
- When a road is slippery, then reduce speed and increase safe distance from others.
- If there is icy weather then try to cancel your journey. But if you have to do it then stay focused, lower race and make safe space.
- When you see an incline slope sign board, increase speed to maintain momentum.
- AC systems can put extra pressure on cars, so if you face engine problems then off your AC.
- Try to search for a biting point where the clutch and car engine connects directly. And your car starts to move slowly.
Top 10 Steepest Roads in the World
Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand
Well, it is considered the steepest road. Its tilt percentage is 35%, which is the highest one. This road ends on a no through road, at a famous tourist place. Many pedestrians run on this street to see who can go up to the top fastly.
Waipio Valley Road
If you visit Hawaii you can find this steep road in district Hamakua. Basically, it is known as the steepest road in the United States. It is a narrow and curved street at an elevation of 25%. Moreover, this elevation increased at some points to 45%. That’s why this road is only available for four wheeler like cars.
Bradford Street
Bradford street is among the highest slope roads of Fransiko. Most of its portion has 25% slope. But at some points it reaches 41% gradient also. It can feel difficult for you to drive on this road but its beautiful side view of the skyline is worth it.
Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh
This road is especially for you if you are a cyclist. Because you can check your potential on this road. It is 37% elevated but unfortunately it does not get proper credit for it. In America, it is considered the incline path as it has consistent elevation.
Vale Street
You can see the vale street in Bristol where it got the title of steepest road. Its highest elevation point has 35% gradient. Therefore, you may find it difficult to park your car here.
You can observe that some residents have tied up their vehicles with lamp posts. Actually, they do this thing in icy weather to avoid roll back due to slippery road conditions.
Ffordd Pen Llech
This road is present in Harlech, Wales at 29% Height. Well, this road was credited with the name of steepest road in the world in 2019. But unfortunately, this record was again given to Baldwin Street in 2022. This is a winding steep road that contains historical places.
Eldred Street
Eldred street is the tallest street in Los Angeles and 3rd tallest road in the United States. Many people think that the steepest road in Francisco is 22nd street or Filbert street. But the reality is that Eldred street is elevated at 33% slope. Additionally, this slant is higher than Baxter street and Fargo street too.
Hard Knott Pass
This Hard Knot Pass is among steepest roads in the UK. You will find its highest elevation point at 33% slant. Well, this is the historical road of Rome that has a single track. You can face sharp turns & uneven surfaces on this road which make it dangerous.
Baxter Street
This street comes in third place for steepest road in Los Angeles. According to recent studies this road is counted as dangerous due to high accident rates. It is elevated to 32%. Actually, this road was created for pedestrians to connect with the streetcar line.
Filbert Street
Filbert street is present in Los Angeles as a famous steep road. It is situated between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. You can enjoy the view of Coit Tower and North Beach at an altitude of 31.5%.
What is Steep Hill Retaining Wall?
You can find Retaining Walls only near steep roads. Actually, they are built there to hold soil and rocks. It also protects you in case of a landslide. The waterflow from the mountains is handled by this retaining wall. Moreover, it keeps hills stable in case of extreme weather scenarios.
What is Uphill Parking?
Uphill parking means you want to park your car on a road that goes up. If you want to make it safe then turn wheels away from the curb. After that, pull the handbrake. Keep the car in first gear and all done.
Final Summary
We expect that now the things are more clear for you about how to drive on steep roads. When you are on a steep road it is important to use the right techniques to drive safely.
So, next time when you visit mountainous areas, recall all these guidelines and move confidently toward your destination.
FAQs
How to do a Hill Start Without a Car Rolling Back?
If you want to make your start safe then keep the handbrake on, press the clutch and put car’s first gear. After that, release the clutch until the car moves.
What Gear to Use When Driving a Downhill Manual?
You can use lower gear when you drive your manual car downhill.
How to Drive an Automatic car Uphill and Downhill?
When you want to go uphill, then press the accelerator and move smoothly. In case of downhill, you can leave the accelerator and press brakes slightly if needed.
