Runaway truck ramps are crucial safety features on highways with steep downhill grades. A runaway truck ramp is a carefully planned route designed to bring an out-of-control vehicle to a quick stop in a controlled manner. These ramps are particularly effective at bringing large vehicles, such as trucks or buses, to a stop without risking other people on the road.
What is a Runaway Truck Ramp?
As previously noted, runaway truck ramps are designed to stop out-of-control vehicles as safely as possible. They are strategically placed along roadways with significant downhill inclines. In most cases, the ramp will arc steeply upwards to deploy gravity as a natural counter to the disabled vehicle’s speed. Gravel, sand, or a combination of these materials are used to create a quicksand-like surface over the ramp to bog down a runaway vehicle and bring it to a complete, maintained stop. Once a vehicle has been fully stopped by the ramp, it usually takes a specialized wrecker to extricate it from the deep sand or soil.
Recognizing When to Use a Runaway Truck Ramp
The decision to use a runaway truck ramp requires a truck driver to be alert to early warning signs of brake failure. These can include:
- Overheating brakes: A burning smell or unusual heat coming from the wheels can indicate brake failure.
- Loss of braking power: If the brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive, it is likely that a vehicle has reduced stopping ability.
- Unusual sounds: Grinding noises or a lack of resistance when applying the brakes can be warning signs.
If you experience any of these indicators, especially on a steep downhill road, it’s important to calmly and quickly assess the situation. If you still have full control of your vehicle, you may be able to navigate the road and then bring your truck to a safe stop. Using a runaway truck ramp is a last resort, but you may need to take this action to avoid a collision. If your vehicle suffers damage or loses control due to defective brakes, a truck accident lawyer in Atlanta may be able to help.
Safely Bringing Your Vehicle to a Stop
Once you determine that the best course of action is using the runaway truck ramp, begin planning how you will safely get over the ramp without endangering other motorists. Activate your hazard lights to warn surrounding vehicles of your plight and signal your intention to exit the main travel lanes.
Do your best to keep control of your truck as you steer towards the entrance of the runaway truck ramp. You should not perform jerky or sudden movements that could destabilize the truck, causing you to lose control or roll the vehicle. If there is signage directing you on how to enter the ramp properly, observe the instructions as closely as possible.
Using the Runaway Truck Ramp Effectively
A runaway truck ramp is designed to gradually bring uncontrollable vehicles to a stop. If you have any control of your vehicle’s brakes, attempt to reduce your speed before you hit the ramp. You can deploy your emergency brake, engine brake, and hydraulic retarder if your vehicle has these capabilities. The loose gravel or sand on the ramp creates additional resistance, helping you steadily slow your vehicle. Do not attempt to brake on the ramp itself, as this may cause your wheels to lock and remove your ability to control your direction. The ramp is designed to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, even if you have lost braking ability entirely.
What To Do After the Vehicle is Stopped
After coming to a safe stop on the runaway truck ramp, turn your engine off and engage the parking brake. Inspect the vehicle for damage caused, either by the initial brake failure or the use of the ramp. You should not attempt to drive the vehicle, in the unlikely event it is even maneuverable after becoming mired in the ramp’s gravel or sand mix.
Contact emergency services once the truck is stopped. They will be able to provide aid if anyone is injured. If there were no injuries, a towing company will likely be needed to remove your vehicle from the runaway truck ramp. Once your vehicle is free, have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure there will be no recurring issues before driving it again.
We hope you will not need to use a runaway truck ramp anytime soon, but keep an eye out for them on your travels. If you begin to experience brake failures on a downhill stretch of roadway, that ramp will quickly become your new best friend!
Image: Rodrigo Abreu – Unsplash
