I think a few drivers slow to see if the scale is opened and might close suddenly. If they drive by it slower in some states (like Missouri) it might just close before they pass the sign. Over the years the scale has closed just as I was passing it many times. (But I don't slow down hoping it'll close on me).

You'd be surprised how many drivers are out there that are approaching their FIRST scale as a driver, and their trainer is asleep in the back. For the trainers, PLEASE, this should be the first protocol you teach new drivers ... how to deal with scales, and to follow signage, to the LETTER, roll down your window, and don't freak out and expect that sometimes they may be CLOSED.

My last company did'nt have prepass because of their safety rating and I never slowed down till in the scale house lot.If you look far ahead you can see if the scale is open then you don't need to slow down.

If they're driving "70ish" they better be slowing down there (In or IL) In that case, I don't think the scales have anything to do with what you're sensing, it has to do with where state police are known to frequent and target trucks for speeding and where the "tolerance" is not so much.

It has been written, The scales will be OPEN here till TRUCKERS have no more $$$ They kind of forgot what we did for them when the place was flooding while back.

Originally Posted by sevenmph

I have seen this many, many times and I am curious. Im only five years in and still have a lot to learn.
Why do drivers slow so much when approaching a scale? I'm not talking about maintaining distance, or there's a Prime truck ahead.
I'll give you the example from tonight. I'm catching up to a flat bed company truck that I know is faster than me. I realize, oh it's because the scale is coming up. The speed limit is 65. At the Weigh Station one mile sign, we are doing 58. They see the closed sign, and and they are off and running at 70.
So I was just wondering why drivers do that, and I see it alot.

because i pay for my brakes, just because it's 70mph don't mean you have to hit the ramp doing 70mph. also for those hotrodders that fly by at the last minute thanks for filling up the ramp and causing them to close the scale for me to putter on by doing 60mph!