Originally Posted By: roadandtrack.com
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.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a30619/how-a-runaway-truck-ramp-works/
I think this incident is on highway I5 near Grapevine, a very steep hill. I drove to San Jose - San Fransisco many times the last 25-30 years, this section is very steep. When I was at the top of the hill at 60 MPH I can be faster than 85-90 MPH at the bottom of the hill even after few stabs at the brake every 1/2 miles or so.
Highway I15 to Las Vegas has some these "runaway truck ramps" too.
Never saw anyone used it before this video, looks scary.
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.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/videos/a30619/how-a-runaway-truck-ramp-works/
I think this incident is on highway I5 near Grapevine, a very steep hill. I drove to San Jose - San Fransisco many times the last 25-30 years, this section is very steep. When I was at the top of the hill at 60 MPH I can be faster than 85-90 MPH at the bottom of the hill even after few stabs at the brake every 1/2 miles or so.
Highway I15 to Las Vegas has some these "runaway truck ramps" too.
Never saw anyone used it before this video, looks scary.
Last edited: