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From Road & Track
You've probably passed by dozens of runaway truck ramps without ever paying much attention to them. To a driver in a normal family vehicle, they're largely irrelevant.
But to a big-rig driver, they can be a life saver.
Caltrans just published this video on its Facebook page, showing an out-of-control 18-wheeler rounding a curve and grinding to a halt in a gravel escape ramp. The surveillance camera video is slow and choppy, but it shows one thing very clearly: That truck came to a stop very quickly.
The principle behind this type of runaway truck ramp couldn't be simpler: It's essentially a short paved apron leading into a long chute of loose gravel. The resistance of the gravel brings the truck to a halt almost immediately, while allowing a little bit of directional control.
Take another look. From the moment the truck hit the gravel to the time it came to rest, it only traveled about four truck lengths. Even if the truck's brakes were working perfectly, it probably couldn't have stopped so quickly.
Here's hoping this is the only time you have to witness a runaway truck ramp at work
Runaway truck ramp video.
Discussion in 'Trucking Accidents' started by Chinatown, Sep 2, 2016.
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TheDude1969, Lepton1, Big Don and 9 others Thank this.
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thatll make ya change your pants
Friday, Lepton1, LindaPV and 1 other person Thank this. -
Sure looks like that trailer almost went over. Driver definitely wrecked their drawers on that one.
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I have heard if you have to use one of these make sure your seat belt is on really good and tight cuz it's one heck of a ride.
David_Simpson and Chinatown Thank this. -
Driver probably said, "Have to hang up now, I'll call you back later."
RedRover, mmk trucking, Steel Dragon and 14 others Thank this. -
Coming up the grapevine earlier today there was a truck pulling double flat beds with a load of pallets on the northbound side at the bottom of the hill surrounded by emergency vehicles. The drive tires were completely incinerated and most of the pallets on the front trailer had been burned. Also could have sworn I saw a pair of dirty shorts laying on the shoulder.
RedRover, Steel Dragon, Lepton1 and 4 others Thank this. -
I've seen many trucks in the runaway truck ramp, but never seen one rolled over or damaged too badly.
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Just yesterday I saw one on the shoulder of the highway that I had smelled for at least 4 or 5 clicks before I got to it. He was just rolling smoke out from the drives and tandems. There's no semblance of a grade of any kind for at least two hours in any direction. Wow......just wow.
Lepton1 Thanks this. -
And the truck seat as well.
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By the time the driver said that the truck was stopped.
Would be nice if there were times on that clip to see just how many seconds it took to stop that truck in its tracks.
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