Runaway Ramps

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by FatDaddy, May 18, 2012.

  1. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    That's smart. I'm glad the states are starting to see that safety is first.
     
    scottied67 Thanks this.
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  3. American-Trucker

    American-Trucker Road Train Member

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    I saw a truck on the 2nd runaway ramp going down Black Mountain about a year ago, he didnt make it far maybe 50' up the ramp



    American Trucker
     
  4. biggjerryc

    biggjerryc Bobtail Member

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    Rt 6 near tunkhannock pa, I was driving my personal vehicle. A flat bed with piping for the natural gas companies flew by me. I think he may have completely lost his brakes. He flew by me at about 50mph and went wayyy up the ramp. I felt the rumble in my #####. about 4 people stopped so I took a good look and kept on going.


    Hope the guy was alright. His load stayed on and everything
     
    scottied67 Thanks this.
  5. Shoestring

    Shoestring Light Load Member

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    Lehigh Fl
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    Never used one and have never actually seen any one first hand, but this video makes me a little scared to use one.

    [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD-8SBDqSxk&feature=related[/ame]
     
  6. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    Denver, Co
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    someone tried to take the new lower ramp on Wolf Creek last week, lost it, rolled on their side at the entrance to the ramp, closed the pass for 6 hrs. I've come close to taking the lower ramp on Vail about 11 yrs, got stopped just before it.

    I think it's somewhat of a wive's tale about people having picnics, that same story goes around regarding two of the ramps here in Colorado as well. I've seen many 4-wheelers break down and pull into the access point for the ramp on I-70 @ Genesse and on Eisenhower. If the cops aren't already with them, I will call and let them know so they can get them out of the way. Two summers ago, Jeffco Sheriff moved a tire changer out of the way about 2 minutes before a runaway hit the ramp.

    AS for cost, they may not ticket you, but, I've been told, expect at least $11,000 in tow/repair bills here in Colorado. Back in the mid-90's I worked for a tow company, had to send out both heavy wreckers for one on Genese, recovery rates were $175 call out, $1.50/ft for winching, plus tow bill. IIRC, it was $2,500 per wrecker plus whatever the repairs cost later.
     
  7. dhooks

    dhooks Light Load Member

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    Jun 25, 2012
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    I used to run that part of I40 almost ever day for a while, you fairly often see trucks in there. Not sure why, its not that steep, get it in the right gear and let the jake run and your golden.
     
  8. Gizmo_Man

    Gizmo_Man Road Train Member

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    in my years of OTR, i have never needed one, nor have i ever seen anyone else need one. i do have a Colorado DOT tape about them however, showing a truck (CO DOT truck, using one for demonstration purposes), i got it several years ago, from where, i do not remember. maybe as a part of the OOIDA membership i ordered it from, but i cannot say for sure.

    tell you what too, that driver they had using the ramp to make that video..??

    must have gone for one hell of a ride...must have had a "race car drivers" seat belt system.
     
  9. Gizmo_Man

    Gizmo_Man Road Train Member

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    that ain't no dammed runaway ramp.

    a runaway ramp is like a peat sand or some other type of material, where the truck sinks down to its axles, thusly slowing the truck, and eventually stopping it.
     
  10. Quickfarms

    Quickfarms Heavy Load Member

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    May 29, 2012
    Los Angeles, Ca
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    The one on the 2 in lacanada has trees planted in front of it when a truck passed it several years ago and plowed into a restaurant. Several fatalities and they pinned it on the driver.
     
  11. ewill71

    ewill71 Heavy Load Member

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    Oct 3, 2011
    mcgregor tx
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    never used them. <knock on wood. But I took a funny picture when I was moving from missouri to utah.

    [​IMG]

    kinda looks like a ski slope coming on the highway. this is right after the eisenhower tunel on I70
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2012
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