On 2016-09-13 16:02, Tom Karzes wrote:

Ok, second attempt: Could you be at the bottom of a hill, using 2nd for braking when there are cars ahead of you?

Tom

Partial credit. (I should have added that there's almost never a car in front of me. That could get me into 3rd, but I don't think it's ever happened.) Hilarie's been on my street and knows the answer. And NeilB for sure--from his driving lesson there! My street branches steeply off another steep street (with a stop sign at the top). Approaching from the top, there is a rollercoaster down, slightly left onto my street, then suddenly up. I shift straight from 1st to 4th on the down, shoot onto my street, and roll over the hill, which is shallow near my house. Approaching my street from the downhill side entails a sharp, steep right--a bit exciting even in 2nd gear--leaving inadequate rpm to upshift afterward. Near the inside curb there are several feet of nearly 20% grade. I'm trying to perfect a slinky that will function there. --rwg

Bill Gosper writes:

...

I never use it when driving home along my street. I'm always in either 2nd or 4th until I reach my driveway. The nearest traffic light is miles away. Explain. --rwg