You can go down that mountain 1000 times too slow...

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Scud Runner, Mar 27, 2010.

  1. Scud Runner

    Scud Runner Light Load Member

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    But only one time to fast.
    On Thursday I almost witnessed a truck rollover coming down Butte MT pass. The driver passed me around 45-50 mph and went around a corner slamming on the brakes locking up the trailer, and just about rolling it around a corner. All these years of mountain driving has taught me to never become ####y with these mountains. Sure, you get to know the mountain and truck over time, but that doesn't mean the mountain and the truck will compensate for you. So, I thought I'd share this to any new drivers that are concerned about mountain driving. Just remember the first two sentences, and you'll be fine.

    :biggrin_255:
     
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  3. jtrnr1951

    jtrnr1951 Road Train Member

    Thank You Driver........Good Point !!!!!!!
     
  4. jakebrake12

    jakebrake12 Road Train Member

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    No doubt man.. Slow, steady, and follow the signs.. You'll make it every time.. Good reminder..
     
  5. broncrider

    broncrider Road Train Member

    I've seen rodgers just about get a few trucks......

    Best to not tempt those grades
     
  6. IROCUBabe

    IROCUBabe Road Train Member

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    Dallas, TX
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    Stop stealing my sig quote! I am suing.
     
  7. striker

    striker Road Train Member

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    I see this many time here in Colo., I've got a coworker who does this as well, he goes down the hills too fast. I've always asked hom what he would do if he lost his brakes (everytime he ends up with a rolling smoke cloud), he tells me too mind my own business.
     
  8. Saddle Tramp

    Saddle Tramp Medium Load Member

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    laurel, nebraska
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    :biggrin_25513:He sounds like an accident waiting to happen.:biggrin_25513:He needs to take your advice to heart, or he may wind up at the bottom of the mountain injured or dead.:biggrin_25513:
     
  9. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

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    While I haven't seen a rollover. I have seen too many trucks with smoking brakes coming down a mountain. Also have seen a few trucks on the runaway ramps. The dumbest driver I saw was going down the Siskoyu on a cell phone while riding the brakes. Yes you could smell the brakes. I got around and as far away and fast as I could safely could from this truck.
     
  10. long_n_low88

    long_n_low88 Bobtail Member

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    Apr 1, 2010
    Amarillo, TX
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    I was coming down donner pass about 3 years ago now and had a swift truck fly by me swerving and sliding...lost sight of him pretty quick but found the wreck even quicker. Killed him and his so called 'trainer'. I got to say the mountains is NO place to be training a driver. I've been heavy hauling since 1988 and aint lost my brakes on a pass yet. Makes me feel really bad for these new guys that dont have clue and get put on em anyways. Thats life though, just keep a good eye on what you got and hope the rest of em make it too
     
  11. phroziac

    phroziac Road Train Member

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    Jun 16, 2009
    Gary, IN
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    how do you learn to go down a mountain without being trained while going down one?

    my trainer put me in the drivers seat about 4 hours before we got to the mountains so i could get used to driving his truck before i went down anything. i listened to him and did just fine. before i even watched him go down.

    i remember he told me "watch what i do but dont do any of the f-ed up things i do" LOL...one time someone tried to block him from passing them and both trucks ended up doing about 90 (on flat land)

    anyhow, one time i had a brand new rookie co driver who went down cabbage patch in the same gear she went up in...tenth. come the f on. 3 huge signs warning you to reduce gear, but she insists she didnt have to. i thought i was going to die. i did everything i could to try to get her to not go down. we went over the top and i just had to put my seatbelt on...
     
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