Newbie Advice

you can go down any grade without using brakes. right gear, right speed and jakes

 

Ok thanks. Guess I got them turned around.

 

Some zones are signed. For example I-40 in the gorge near TN NC Line, you need to be in the left lane and at 50 for a while.

One time I-70 in PA-OH had a emergency Ban from trucks using right line (I-77 as well) where mining activity has collapsed the earth below the interstate in places. So they worked on that for a time to fix it. And so on.

The problem is you need to check for those signs.

Back when they were rebuilding LIE in NYC 20+ years ago it was horrible the walls were like a inch from both outside wheels on the 18 wheeler and when they got beat up they started getting crooked in places requiring you to dodge and weave with cars inches away or another big rig next to you.

One time in Illinois near Lincolns grave, I scraped a construciton wall having no real place to put the rig. Game of inches lost.

It was really tough to get that trailer OFF that wall. It pulled my ICC bumper back about 3 feet out. So docking was a problem. Find dock that is solid cement yea high, bang the ICC Bumper back into place. Check for busted bolts. Replace same. Drive on.

 

I try to apply brakes before a curve, especially when it’s slick. I’ll often let it roll, starting out slowly at the top, then stab the brakes good, slow down and release them before the curve. I find if puts less wear on my brakes. Might be aggravating to others, but it’s aggravating to Me when they fly past, cut in front, and ride brakes, causing Me to slow down, or pass them. Above all take it slow, be safe

 

I think the answer is simple. You don't drive faster than your ability to see and stop. If that means you drive in 3rd gear with full jakes, then so be it. I know it's simple enough to say. This simple truth has been ignored many times with some tragic results.

 

I think a caveat needs added....
As long as you're not creating a road hazard.

I've run the extra miles up to and across I-80 just because I was unsure of the conditions through Vail. I'd much rather deal with the wind in Wyoming than someone who can't handle the hills or weather of Colorado.

 

In the way of a reply, let me say what my own personal policy was in such conditions. I got off the road ASAP. Just not worth it! Last time I was in such was out on I80 west of Laramie headed east and on that dang mtn and there was a whiteout. In that situation, it was by far safer to go on then stop.