What is your take on this ??????

Not being in the proper gear for a descend can cause all kinds of problems.

 

That is my question also.....3rd gear wouldn't hold the truck? What gear do other drivers go down this hill in with a full load???

 

Wolf Creek is one of those hills that is an exception to the same gear down as it took to go up rule. Especially if you are west bound. The east side is a fairly gentle grade going up, but the west side is about 9 miles of 6% and 7 % all the way. Even fifth gear should have been plenty low to hold you even without jakes. However if you were very heavy and had no breaks it could be possible to over rap and blow the engine.

 

Where does the $10,000 figure come from?

 

Costs of repairing the escape ramp, emergency services, etc. Once a escape ramp gets used, it cannot get used again until it's repaired.

 

I agree with all that except that it just automatically cost $10,000 if you have to use an escape ramp

 

Maybe OP means the 3rd gear on the top side of the transmission. 3rd in the basement would slow any legal load.

 

I realize that, but my point is you don't know that until its inspected. Shouldn't automatically assume it's the driver's fault.

 

It's always the drivers fault. Never been in an accident yet?

 

You did the right thing. You walked away and no one else was involved. The question is what caused the situation in the first place.