Underuse of brakes 5460You're not because at 10-15mph in 5th you will probably have pushed the clutch out. The point is not about what is happening once you get right down that that kind of speed. The...
Which says
102: Coasting. This term describes a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. Do not coast, whatever the driving conditions. It reduces driver control because
* engine braking is eliminated
(Just as it is if you have slowed to 30 in 5th gear and are only going to select an appropriate gear for acceleration later)
* vehicle speed downhill will increase quickly
(just as it will if you have no engine braking because you are at 30 in 5th gear)
* increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness
(just as it will if you have no engine braking because you are at 30 in 5th gear)
* steering response will be affected particularly on bends and corners
(eh? Is this some bizarre power steering thing?)
* it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when needed.
(Well 5th to 1st isn't necessarily a picnic for the works either).
Remember, it's not that long since many cars had freewheel units. Some four wheel drives still do, I believe. But my point is simple: if you lose control by coasting you also lose control by failing to change down sequentially.
Ian
