It's not just trucks, but they make the biggest mess when coming to the bottom so get the most coverage. I am a trained driver, busses and coaches, not trucks though. But I see a lot of improper driving regardless the vehicle. Stuff you get away with because we don't have long downhill sections, but no flat sections either.
I make it a point for myself to use the wheel brakes as little as possible, only in an emergency and the last few MPH to get to a stop. Depending on the bus I drive, the retarder can slow the vehicle down to 2 mph... So why not use it and adjust your driving style to that? Irf you do it asw a matter of fact, you won't have to change habits when the terrain force you to do it. The same applies to taking corners, you can take them in a way that requires less turning of the wheel but reduces your clearance (and options for corrections) or you can do it like you expect an obstruction and want to keep options open.
And that's what it's always about, you need to have a viable plan B when driving, especially big and heavy stuff. I doubt basic driver training stresses that enough.
I make it a point for myself to use the wheel brakes as little as possible, only in an emergency and the last few MPH to get to a stop. Depending on the bus I drive, the retarder can slow the vehicle down to 2 mph... So why not use it and adjust your driving style to that? Irf you do it asw a matter of fact, you won't have to change habits when the terrain force you to do it. The same applies to taking corners, you can take them in a way that requires less turning of the wheel but reduces your clearance (and options for corrections) or you can do it like you expect an obstruction and want to keep options open.
And that's what it's always about, you need to have a viable plan B when driving, especially big and heavy stuff. I doubt basic driver training stresses that enough.