If you went on a road trip along all the highways, you would add 164,000 miles to your odometer. That is how many miles of highways crisscross the nation, according to the National Highway System (NHS). At any given time, you would also share those highways with one of the millions of semi-trucks making their way around the country. If all goes according to plan, those trucks will complete their routes without incident.
Unfortunately, not every truck completes its routes free of incident. There might be a situation where a truck driver loses control of their rig, and the only safe option would be to veer off to a runaway truck ramp. Before that 18-wheeler comes to a complete stop on the runaway ramp, it could collide with other cars on the road. That is a situation where you will need the advice of the attorneys at Bianca | Matkins.
We can use the runaway truck ramp incident to support your potential damage claim. That is why you want to understand the purpose of runaway truck ramps.
What Makes a Truck Runaway?
When a semi-truck is fully loaded, it can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Although heavy, a truck can also have a lot of momentum. That is especially true when a truck is driving on a downward incline where the weight of the cargo can increase the speed of the truck. When a truck needs to crest an upward incline, it has to speed up. Over the top, it needs to slow down, and that is where the problems can occur.
Here are some of the common scenarios that can create a runaway truck:
Brake Fade
A brake fade happens when the brakes on a truck overheat due to excessive use. This usually happens when the truck is riding downhill for extended periods of time. When the brakes overheat, they become less effective when the driver needs to slow down.
Brake Failure
Worn-out brake pads, brake fluid leaks, or mechanical problems with the brake system are all reasons why brakes can stop performing and trigger the runaway scenario.
Improper Cargo Management
Each state, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, sets the weight limits for trucks traveling on the highways. If a truck is overloaded for its size or that load is not properly secured and balanced, it can add strain to the braking system, increasing the risk of a runaway situation.
Poor Maintenance
The braking system is one of the most critical features of a semi-truck. It is the responsibility of the truck driver to consistently inspect the brakes. It is also incumbent on the trucking company that owns the rig to ensure those brakes are maintained, repaired, and replaced.
Failing to do so can compromise the brakes.
How the Runaway Truck Ramp Functions
Losing control of their brakes can be extremely frightening for truck drivers. Highway designers took up the problem and began adding designated runaway truck ramps in the 1960s.
Typically, these ramps are part of the highway system that goes through the Rockies or Appalachians.
There are many variations of a runaway truck ramp. Many consist of an upward slope on the shoulder of the road covered with gravel or sand. When the truck veers onto the ramp, those features can slow it down. There are other ramps that deploy wire nets to “catch” the runaway truck. All of the ramps are marked with yellow road signs that truck drivers are easy to spot.
The truck ramp on I-70 in Colorado is a perfect example of this design, and as reported by Denver7, this particular ramp is the most heavily used in the country.
If a truck driver finds themselves dealing with a runaway truck, they are trained to stay calm.
It is important to avoid the instinct to sharply pull over as that can create the conditions for a jackknife truck accident. Next, truckers are supposed to deploy the Jake brake. This is a compression-release brake that can slow down the rig. Think of it as the truck’s version of the parking brake.
Once they turn onto the ramp, the truck should come to a stop. At that point, the truck driver needs to call their dispatch to advise them of the situation and arrange for mechanical help or a tow truck.
It’s also recommended that the truck driver call 911 emergency services to alert them of the situation. At that point, they can shut off the engine and get out to assess the situation if it is safe to do so.
If a runaway truck collided with your vehicle, you’ll want to discuss your options for seeking compensation for your losses with the attorneys at Bianca | Matkins. Determining fault will require a thorough investigation, and our team is up to the task.
Call to set up a free consultation today.
