When facing downward on a hill, which gear should you select for safety?

When facing downward on a hill, selecting reverse gear is crucial for safety because it helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling forward unintentionally. By engaging reverse, you create a natural resistance against the force of gravity, which aids in keeping the vehicle stationary. This is particularly important when parked, as it is a safeguard against the car rolling downhill if the brakes were to fail.

Additionally, engaging reverse in this situation does not allow the vehicle to roll away forward, as it would simply stall or struggle against the incline. It acts as an effective measure when combined with using the handbrake, providing an extra layer of security.

In contrast, neutral does not provide any resistance and could lead to the vehicle rolling away, while first and second gears do not effectively engage in a way that provides the necessary hold for a vehicle parked downhill.