German warning sign 108-17, officially 'Gefälle 17%', alerts you to a significant downward slope of 17%. This sign is crucial for anticipation and adjusting your driving behaviour before reaching the hazard. Drivers should reduce speed early, select an appropriate gear, and increase following distance to maintain control on the descent. Pay close attention to any supplementary signs or road markings that may further clarify the situation.
This German road sign 108-17 warns of a significant 17% downward slope, requiring drivers to adjust speed and braking strategy early. Proper interpretation is crucial for safe descent and effective theory test revision, aiding in understanding how gradient affects vehicle control.
German road sign 108-17, officially designated "Gefälle 17%", belongs to the danger warning signs group. It warns about a road-layout, clearance, weather, or surface condition that can reduce control, sight distance, grip, or available space before the driver reaches the hazard. You may see it in approaches to hazards, rural roads, urban conflict points, railway crossings, roadworks, and weather-sensitive sections, depending on how the road authority has arranged the location. The practical meaning is not just the symbol itself, but the driving decision it triggers: adjust speed, position, priority, route choice, stopping behaviour, or attention before the situation becomes urgent. For learners, the key skill is anticipating what could go wrong before the hazard is visible. Always combine the sign with road markings, traffic lights, police instructions, and any supplementary plates at the same location.
German road sign 108-17 means "Descent 17%" and is officially listed as "Gefälle 17%". In practice, it tells drivers to recognise the situation early, adapt before reaching the controlled area, and check whether markings or supplementary plates change how the rule applies.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the 108-17 - Descent 17% road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the German driving theory exam in Germany.
The sign 108-17, officially 'Gefälle 17%', warns of a steep downward slope on the road ahead. The '17%' indicates the steepness of the gradient, meaning for every 100 meters travelled horizontally, the road drops by 17 meters vertically. It's a warning sign that requires drivers to adapt their speed and gear selection before entering the descent.
Upon seeing the 108-17 sign, you must prepare for a steep descent. This means reducing your speed well in advance, selecting a lower gear to use engine braking effectively, and increasing the distance to the vehicle in front. Checking your mirrors and being ready to brake smoothly are also important actions to ensure safe passage.
A common mistake is seeing the sign and not reacting until the descent is already steep, making it harder to control speed and gear. Another error is following too closely, as vehicles ahead may brake suddenly. Learners also sometimes forget to select an appropriate lower gear, relying solely on brakes, which can lead to overheating and reduced braking efficiency on long descents.
While 17% is a significant gradient, the primary technique is to use engine braking by downshifting to a lower gear. This reduces wear on your service brakes and maintains better control. If you need to brake, use smooth, controlled applications of the brake pedal rather than abrupt braking, especially if following closely or if the road surface is wet.
Yes, supplementary signs (Zusatzzeichen) are often used with the 108-17 sign. These can indicate the length of the steep descent, specify the gradient for a certain distance, or warn of additional hazards like sharp bends within the descent. Always observe and interpret these supplementary signs along with the main warning sign.
A clear reference image of the 108-17 - Descent 17% road sign used in Germany.
The 108-17 - Descent 17% road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The 108-17 - Descent 17% road sign is part of the German Danger Warning Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Sharpen your understanding by comparing this sign with similar ones. Practising traffic sign comparison and reinforcing recognition patterns will improve your accuracy for the German theory test.
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