Just like those in the other states, residents of Hawaii rely on tractor-trailers to transport consumer goods to remote areas. According to J.D. Power, an empty truck and trailer can weigh up to 25,000 pounds, while a fully laden one may tip the scales at roughly 80,000 pounds. Consequently, semi-trucks are considerably larger and heavier than the other cars, trucks and SUVs on the road.

The heft of tractor-trailers can cause their brakes to heat up and fail, especially when going down steep declines. A semi-truck with malfunctioning brakes presents an immediate danger to motorists, pedestrians, construction crews and others. Fortunately, Hawaii has a few runaway truck ramps to protect the public.

What is a runaway truck ramp?

A runaway truck ramp is simply a ramp that goes up the side of a hill. Often, road workers fill these ramps with gravel or sand to help them slow runaway trucks even more rapidly. They also clearly mark the location of runaway truck ramps to help commercial drivers find them during stressful situations.

When can truckers use runaway ramps?

Truckers may employ a variety of techniques to try to stop their vehicles after the brakes have failed. If these do not work, the runaway truck ramp may be the only option for avoiding a catastrophic accident. Consequently, if you are driving near a semi-truck that has overheated brakes, it is advisable to steer clear of the ramp’s entry.

Because driving onto a runaway truck ramp may cause the truck to sustain significant damage, truckers may want to avoid them. Ultimately, if you suffer an injury because a trucker did not use a runaway ramp, you may have grounds to seek significant financial compensation.