What causes your vehicle's speed to naturally increase on a downgrade?

The reason gravity leads to an increase in your vehicle's speed on a downgrade is due to the fundamental principles of physics. When a vehicle descends a slope, gravity exerts a downward force that pulls the vehicle faster towards the ground. This force acts on the vehicle's mass, effectively propelling it forward and downward, which results in an increase in speed.

On a downhill grade, unless countered by braking or other means, gravity will continuously accelerate the vehicle, making it crucial for drivers to be aware of this force. Understanding this concept is important for maintaining safe speeds, particularly in large commercial vehicles, which can gain speed rapidly on downgrades due to their weight. This knowledge is vital for proper gear selection and braking techniques to ensure safe operation.