Coasting On Delaware Roadways

§ 4187. Coasting prohibited.
(a) The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the gears or transmission of such vehicle in neutral.
(b) The driver of any motor vehicle when traveling upon a down grade shall not coast with the clutch disengaged.

If the price of gas continues to rise, there may be an increased incentive to place the transmission into neutral when traveling downhill in order to increase gas mileage (save money). IT IS ILLEGAL and has the potential to increase stopping distance.

Occasionally, the operator of a motor vehicle will shift into a lower gear if needed to decrease the stopping distance when the foot brake is used in isolation. “The D Team” takes no position on this practice by the motorist of a standard shift motor vehicle, however, it is an illegal practice by trucks except for emergencies – see picture  below.[/vc_column_text]