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

Answer: B — Reverse

When facing downward on a hill, the safest gear to select is reverse. This choice is important because using reverse helps the vehicle remain stable and prevent rolling forward unintentionally. In the event of the vehicle rolling, the gears work to counteract the downward motion. Selecting reverse effectively engages the engine's resistance against gravity, which can help slow down or potentially stop the vehicle from rolling. This is especially useful if the brakes fail or if there is an unexpected situation that requires the driver to regain control. In general, for safety on inclines, drivers should also ensure that the vehicle is properly secured by engaging the parking brake. Choosing neutral or any forward gear like first or second does not provide the same level of resistance against rolling. Neutral would allow the car to roll freely, and selecting a gear meant for climbing would not be appropriate as these are not designed for downhill stability.