On a mountain grade, who has the right of way?

On a mountain grade, who has the right of way?

• A. The vehicle going downhill has the right of way.
• B. The vehicle facing uphill must back up.
• C. Either driver may proceed if the other yields.
• D. The person going uphill has the right of way; the downhill driver must back up.

Answer: (D)

On a narrow mountain grade, the driver going uphill has the right of way because restarting a vehicle on a steep incline is harder and riskier. Letting the uphill vehicle proceed helps prevent stalling, loss of momentum, or a loss of control on the slope. The downhill driver should yield by backing up slowly to a turnout or to a wider stretch of road, allowing the uphill vehicle to pass safely. Use turnouts if available, and communicate with signals if needed to avoid surprises. This fits why the uphill vehicle is prioritized here: it keeps traffic moving and reduces the chance of a vehicle getting stuck on the grade.

On a narrow mountain grade, the driver going uphill has the right of way because restarting a vehicle on a steep incline is harder and riskier. Letting the uphill vehicle proceed helps prevent stalling, loss of momentum, or a loss of control on the slope. The downhill driver should yield by backing up slowly to a turnout or to a wider stretch of road, allowing the uphill vehicle to pass safely. Use turnouts if available, and communicate with signals if needed to avoid surprises.

This fits why the uphill vehicle is prioritized here: it keeps traffic moving and reduces the chance of a vehicle getting stuck on the grade.