Mountain Driving Tips

That brought back some memories!

If you run out West a lot, you're bound to go down some of those things too fast. It just happens what with having to change CD's, holler at idiots on the radio, and rearrange your coffee and cigarettes, and go downhill at the same time.

Seriously, those big hills will show you the difference in a long nose truck and a aerodynamic. Having those wheels stretched out there in front of you sure makes it easier and safer to navigate the turn at the bottom of big hill you just ****ed up on.

I would never buy a short nosed truck. Too big a safety difference. (With a driver like me, anyway.)

 

They ticket you for those?

 

If it did though, it would be interesting... "Swift trucks make it down the mountian the fastest, being governed at 20 MPH, they simply drive over the side!"

 

They shouldn't. You did the right thing in taking the ramp, regardless of how you got there. Kind of like charging a person who calls 911.

 

Slow down and heed the warning signs. Gear down BEFORE you start the downhill ! Slow down even more in winter conditions AHEAD of time and maintain a slow pace. Look way ahead and watch the idiots in the 4 wheelers who are going slower than you... be extra careful around 4 wheelers. They are naturally ignorant and clueless when in comes to mountain driving...especially in winter. Or anywhere for that matter. I had one ignoramous in St.Louis in a snow storm decide that he didn't want to get off the exit that he was already halfway off on and put his left signal on as I was approaching ...luckily there was a local cop right behind him. I guess the thought of being brick-walled and buried alive in the snow under my trailer was enough to make him think twice. Watch these types of lunatics. They are everywhere ! Mountain or flat... a lunatic is a lunatic.

 

I agree... my understanding (at least with Colorado) is if you take one, its because you didn't have the truck under control. So there's that and any defects they might find. It certainly is less of a hit than the results of a roll-over or a fatal accident with a 4-wheeler.

 

In Colorado, if you take the run-away truck ramp, you'll have roughly $2,000 in total expenses not counting repairs. $1,000 to $1,500 will be for the tow bill to get your butt out of the gravel and then to the shop. Once in the shop, CSP will inspect your truck. You will be cited for either Careless or Reckless Driving as well as for any defects that they find. I've never taken a ramp, but I know drivers who have.

 

Is it still safe to use jakes during winter time while going down a hill? I would imagine it's ok as long as road as dry.

 

Yes in dry conditions only.

 

yes they do and rightfully so....it costs money for them to come back out and refill and smooth all that crap you just sprayed all over the place....not to mention YOU were going to fast to handle the down grade. Also alot of those downgrades have a place for you to stop and check your brakes, tires, etc...BEFORE you start going down. These areas are so YOU as the driver can make sure there is nothing wrong with your vehicle so you are not putting other drivers in danger.
I'm not trying to sound holier than thou here but in my opinion if you have to hit a runaway ramp it's because YOU screwed up...not the DOT or the state troopers.. there again just my opinion