You might have noticed that certain off-ramps lead to total dead ends while you’re traveling over hillsides or mountains.
These are only interesting observations for a typical driver. However, these ramps might be a matter of life and death for anybody operating a large vehicle.
They are runaway truck ramps. A truck driver might exit onto the ramp if they are unable to brake to prevent a collision.
But first, how can a truck runaway and how do the runaway truck ramps function? Let’s investigate it more closely.
What Are Runaway Truck Ramps?
An uncontrollable truck may be safely stopped using a runaway truck ramp. These first appeared in the 1960s and have since grown to be a common sight on American highways. While traveling through the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll regularly come upon them.
Runaway truck ramps exist in a variety of types. The majority are made out of gravel or dirt, which generates a lot of friction and causes the vehicle to come to a stop. Wire nets with breakaways are sometimes used to maintain the stability of runaway truck ramps. For easy identification, the ramp will normally be labeled with a yellow sign.
Runaway truck ramps often have an upward slope. This further slows the vehicle down by taking advantage of the force of gravity. Nevertheless, an uphill ramp isn’t always useful. In this case, a runaway truck ramp can be leveled.
Runaway truck ramps are shallow when first accessed but may reach a depth of 48 inches if a vehicle has traveled 100 feet into the ramp. When a truck approaches the location, there is initially little resistance, which leads the vehicle to progressively slow down. The driver will be less likely to sustain injuries, and the vehicle will be less likely to fall over.
Runaway Truck Ramp Types
The Sandpile Bed
Scattered rows of sand arranged opposite the direction of movement make up the sandpile bed. As a result, the truck’s energy gets sent to the sand when it comes into contact with the mound. This can be distressing for the driver and even dangerous, so the gravity escape ramp was made.
Gravity Escape Ramps
These ramps climb up the slope of a hill or mountain. A vehicle may stop up to 85 feet faster on a 10% incline. Where there are natural rises close to the road, gravity ramps are the most economically viable option. However, when that wasn’t an option, state officials went to a more original method of containing runaway vehicles.
Mechanical Arrester Ramps
Installation of the mechanical arrester ramp is possible on slopes as well as level areas. Instead of an arrester bed, this design uses a number of steel catch nets. The truck’s energy is absorbed by the nets, and as it moves farther, its force is exerted with increasing intensity, much like a rubber band being tugged.
How To Use A Runaway Truck Ramp?
1. Remain composed
Ideally, you are not reading this article while hurtling downhill with no brakes, but if you are, the first thing to do is to keep your cool. We know it’s easier said than done, but the goal of keeping yourself in check is to protect the other drivers in your vicinity from additional harm.
Your immediate reaction could be to pull the wheel as quickly as you can to the edge of the road, which might cause your vehicle to jackknife or turn on its side. Once more, keep your cool and evaluate the issue.
2. Use the Jake Brake
The vehicle will slow down on its own when you are unable to utilize the service brakes if you apply your jake brake. In addition to preventing unmanageable speeds, this will also make maneuvering in slower traffic fairly doable. allowing you to quickly identify the escape ramp.
3. Let dispatch know where you are
The next step is to alert dispatch to your present emergency situation if you can do so securely. If someone gets hurt by your runaway truck, dispatch will have enough time to send emergency personnel to your area.
4. Find the vehicle’s center and the runaway truck ramp
Find the truck escape ramp, then position your truck as centrally as possible. The huge stopping power that is going to occur requires you to maintain the wheel as steadily as you can as you reach the sand or gravel slope.
5. After the truck has stopped, evaluate the circumstance
Are you transporting combustible materials? Are you still in danger right now? Do you suffer from any wounds? Before relocating, evaluate your situation and make sure you are okay. These kinds of scenarios may be terrifying and may shock some drivers. As long as you are not in danger, stay calm and wait for emergency personnel to come if you believe you are hurt.
6. Deactivate your engine and find a safety
If your truck is still running after alerting dispatch or emergency services, don’t forget to switch it off. If you are not hurt, take the required documents from your taxi, get out of the vehicle carefully, and wait for help in a secure area.