How should drivers select the control speed before descending a hill?

When preparing to descend a hill, selecting a lower gear is essential for maintaining control and safety. This is because lower gears provide increased engine braking, which helps slow the vehicle down without over-relying on the brakes. By using the engine to help control speed, drivers can avoid overheating the brakes and losing braking effectiveness, especially on long or steep descents.

When a driver selects a lower gear, the vehicle's speed is naturally limited, allowing for more manageable control and preventing excessive acceleration down the slope. This approach improves reaction time and helps maintain traction on the road, making it safer to navigate the descent.

In contrast, shifting to a higher gear could lead to a loss of engine braking and increased speed, making it harder to control the vehicle. Maintaining the same gear might not provide adequate braking power for the descent, while increasing speed is generally dangerous and contrary to safe driving practices when going downhill. Thus, selecting a lower gear is the recommended and safest method to manage control speed effectively before descending a hill.