There’s not much scarier than an out-of-control vehicle that weighs several tons. A semi or trailer barreling down the highway can easily cause a severe or even deadly accident. Runaway truck ramps, or escape ramps, save lives. So what is a runaway truck ramp? Let’s take a closer look and learn more about these vital traffic safety devices.
What Is a Runaway Truck Ramp?
Runaway truck ramps, also known as truck escape ramps, are traffic devices to assist vehicles experiencing brake failures. Escape ramps are common along highways and other roads in mountainous areas with long descents that can test a driver’s brakes. Drivers can steer their vehicle into a runaway truck ramp to gradually stop and prevent an accident.
How Do Runaway Truck Ramps Work?
Runaway truck ramps are incredibly efficient at stopping large trucks and buses. The lanes typically contain gravel or sand, which allow them to dissipate a vehicle’s kinetic energy in a controlled manner. The depth of these materials gradually increases the further a vehicle travels into the ramp.
Those that enter these runaway ramps typically do so as a last resort to avoid a serious situation. Drivers that use them often require assistance to get back on the road. Damage will likely occur to the truck’s underside due to the ramp, but it beats the alternative of potentially causing a deadly accident.
How Deep Is the Gravel on the Ramp?
The gravel depth of a runaway truck ramp increases the further you travel into the ramp. It typically starts around 3 inches deep, but once you reach 100 to 200 feet in, it can get as deep as 48 inches.
This depth and the materials that fill the ramp can stop even the largest vehicles needing to use it. Some ramps also include an incline to provide even more assistance with stopping out-of-control cars.
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How Do Trucks Become Runaway?
Trucks become runaway as a result of brake failures. Many drivers make mistakes when coming down mountain passes or long, gradual grades by relying too much on their brakes. The friction on the brakes can cause them to heat up and wear through the brake pads extremely quickly. Depending on the severity, you may completely lose the ability to slow your vehicle.
Drivers of any size vehicle can make this mistake. Stop to check your brakes before entering an extended downhill grade. Areas that have the potential for causing runaway vehicles will often have a spot for drivers to pull over to examine them.
If you have any doubts, check your braking system before heading on a trip. You don’t want to discover at the top that your brakes can’t do the job to get down the mountain.
What Happens to a Truck on an Escape Ramp?
Drivers only use escape ramps when they have no other choice. This is because the sudden halt in the gravel or other material is anything but soft and gentle. However, no matter how rough the stop, it likely beats the alternative of continuing down the road out of control.
As a vehicle enters an escape ramp, its wheels will quickly sink into the gravel or sand. In seconds, it will be up to its axles in the escape ramp and come to a stop, and a massive cloud of dust and debris will surround the area. When used correctly, the vehicle will sit safely in the middle of the escape ramp when the dust settles.
While the driver avoids a potentially deadly accident, it will cause a violent and sudden stop. Their vehicle will likely suffer extreme damage and require assistance to get out of the escape ramp. If you need to use an escape ramp, get ready for an insurance claim.
Do Truckers Get Fined for Using Runaway Truck Ramps?
There’s typically no fine for using a runaway truck ramp. However, you might end up with a rather hefty fee to get towed out. Burying a large vehicle in feet of gravel or sand isn’t going to make it easy to extract. It can cost thousands of dollars to rescue someone from a runaway truck ramp, plus the cost of any damages the vehicle might experience.
How Often Are These Escape Ramps Used?
The escape ramps you see along the highway rarely get used. This is because most professional drivers use extreme caution and inspect their rigs.
According to 9News in Denver, the Colorado Department of Transportation has said an escape ramp along the treacherous I-70 was used less than 10 times over three years.
Drivers hope they never have to use a runaway truck ramp, but they’re glad one is available when they do.
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Can Other Vehicles Use Runaway Truck Ramps?
Runaway truck ramps are for large, heavy vehicles. However, they can sufficiently stop any vehicle unable to brake. Whether you drive a passenger vehicle or a big rig, you can use a runaway truck ramp in an emergency.
No matter the type of vehicle, you’ll still have a large tow and repair bill in your future. These ramps cause a lot of damage as they trap the car to prevent it from sliding back down. Depending on your insurance, you can likely file a claim and minimize any out-of-pocket costs associated with the incident.
Be Aware Around Escape Ramps
If traveling in an area with significant elevation changes, you need to do all you can to maximize your safety. You should regularly inspect your brakes and ensure that you stay within the towing limits of your vehicle.
Driving safely around escape ramps also means watching out for other drivers. They may experience a brake failure and need you to get out of the way to avoid an accident. Safety while driving in mountainous areas is critical.
Have you ever had to use or seen someone use a runaway truck ramp? Tell us in the comments!
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