Every CDL driver hopes they never need one.
Most passenger vehicle drivers have seen them but never really thought about them.
And when one is used, it usually makes the local news. We’re talking about runaway truck ramps.
These emergency escape lanes are built for one purpose: safely stopping heavy vehicles that have lost braking capability on steep mountain descents.
While modern braking systems are extremely reliable, brake failure can still occur when a truck is operating under severe conditions. When it does, a runaway truck ramp can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophic accident.
Understanding how these ramps work—and why drivers sometimes need them—provides valuable insight into one of the most important safety systems on America’s highways.
Continue reading What Is a Runaway Truck Ramp and Why Are They Needed?
