Driving on shoulder I-5

At 1-20 MPH, it's pretty easy to come to a stop.

Very courteous, though I'm sure CHP would rake you over the coals regardless.

Safety wise, they're probably saving many dumb, distracted drivers from decapitation via trailer bumper.

 

The biggest problem running the shoulder there is the other trucks that will trap you if something happens.

I will do it if it's daylight, hot and I'm really heavy but only to let traffic pass and not into a blind corner.

I have talked with an OSP officer and they turn a blind eye to the practice mainly but it is most definitely a CYA moment

 

We used to run the shoulders on the CA side running north into Oregon.. but that was twenty five plus years ago.. If I remember correctly there was even signage allowing it. Pulling all that weight with such low powered equipment made it safer. Then there was little to no traffic in the middle of the night. When we dropped over the other side.. there we also times (if memory serves) we ran the shoulders as we were running under 25 MPH during the whole trip down the other side. We had no jake brakes and were normally running heavy as the laws allowed.

 

Het I guarantee you CHP will NEVER rake you over the coals for riding on the shoulder in Oregon..... . Happy Friday!!

 

Shouldn't have to say, but is really that hard to stop a loaded truck going up hill should you encounter something.

What is really more dangerous is those 20mph drag races blocking the whole highway.

 

It's not the stop that is a pain.

 

I see alot do it. I won't. Look at all the scrape marked on the barriers. Plus you know you'll get blocked in by a super trucker at the moment you need to return to the regular lane.