Vehicle handling
What is meant by 'coasting', and why should you avoid it?
- Driving with the clutch down or in neutral, which reduces your controlCorrect
- Driving at a steady speed on a motorway, which is safe and efficient
- Slowing down gradually before a junction, which is good practice
- Freewheeling downhill in gear, which saves fuel safely
Why?
Coasting means letting the car roll with the clutch pressed down or the gear in neutral. Rule 122 of The Highway Code says this reduces your control of the vehicle, because engine braking is lost and steering can feel lighter, so your speed is harder to control, especially downhill.
Highway Code rule 122