You are driving a motor vehicle with a manual gearbox. What is the correct thing to do when you see this traffic sign?

This traffic sign warns you of a steep downhill slope with a gradient of 12%. When driving a vehicle with a manual gearbox, it is important to shift down to a lower gear before starting the descent. Doing this uses engine braking to help control your speed and reduces the risk of your brakes overheating. Simply driving carefully is not enough; changing down gear is the correct safety measure. Shifting up to a higher gear is incorrect here, as it would reduce engine braking and could lead to loss of control on the slope. Always anticipate such signs so you can prepare your vehicle properly for the slope ahead.