Having read the posts on the second page I should add that I suspect the accident you are refering to was most likely inevitable. Slippery corners on a downhill run are very treacherous and you realy need to maintain upmost control of your bike which is why I am strongly suggesting that you need to descend in the drops.

Sure you can use the rear brake to ****** your descending speed somewhat. If your descending in a straight line and you just wan't to regulate your speed then you could ride on the hoods and alternate front to rear braking to stop the front brake from overheating but as soon as you aproach a corner or ANY situation where you feel that you may wan't to stop/slow down quickly then you need to be in the drops, holding on firmly on the rear brake side and braking with the front wheel only.

While a front wheel slide is extrodinarily difficult to control holding the bars firmly in the drops will give you the best chance of controling it and preferably if you stay in control you wont be in that unenviable situation.

Regards, Anthony