Runaway Trucks

[Hammer166]

So apparently, based on a similar poll on the dark side, and a FB post from CDLLife, it would seem I'm in the minority in believing that any runaway is driver error. The only caveat would be we'll assume the brakes are properly maintained.

Cast your vote, and back it up! I want to know from the No voters what scenario you envision where the runaway isn't the driver's fault.

 

[Sinister]

I voted no. But only for one reason.

Auto shift trucks with all sorts of beeping blooping bullshit are now standard and a driver controls so little, how could they possibly be at fault?

Mega carriers pushed for lesser skilled drivers, thats what the f*#k you get.

 

[Duck]

I voted yes, then changed it to no because I had forgotten the fucktardation that goes into the way automatics are programmed. I was only thinking manual transmissions.

 

[Humble pie]

I voted yes. Almost voted no. If a drive shaft were to break. Then I got to thinking if the driver were going the speed they should and had control of the truck they should be able to stop the truck.

 

[Hammer166]

Okay, but in what scenario would the auto make the difference with a runaway? You could dynamite the driveline and if you're doing it right, coming to a stop should be no issue. That is, if course, assuming the bleeping and blooping doesn't freak out the driver.

 

[Hammer166]

I voted yes. Almost voted no. If a drive shaft were to break. Then I got to thinking if the driver were going the speed they should and had control of the truck they should be able to stop the truck.

Typing at the same time, my thoughts exactly!

 

[Duck]

Okay, but in what scenario would the auto make the difference with a runaway?

I've had the stupid things upshift when they get over 1700 RPM with the jakes on full, even in manual mode.

I still managed to keep it under control though.

I dunno... still leaning towards always the driver's fault I guess.

 

[Sinister]

I've had the stupid things upshift when they get over 1700 RPM with the jakes on full, even in manual mode.

I still managed to keep it under control though.

I dunno... still leaning towards always the driver's fault I guess.

Thats exactly it.

"Theres a maaaaaannuuuaaallll mode."

Stop.

Just shut the hell up.

 

[Oxbow]

I voted yes. Old fashioned I know, but the old boy that taught me how to drive in a 1970 Pete with 318 with Jakes and 5x4 told never me never to go down a pass faster than you can hold it with the Jakes. If the Jakes fail you have about one shot to get slowed down using the service brakes. That attitude may be a bit antiquated, but it has always worked for me.

 

[Humble pie]

I voted yes. Old fashioned I know, but the old boy that taught me how to drive in a 1970 Pete with 318 with Jakes and 5x4 told never me never to go down a pass faster than you can hold it with the Jakes. If the Jakes fail you have about one shot to get slowed down using the service brakes. That attitude may be a bit antiquated, but it has always worked for me.

I still go down one gear slower than I came up. With weights like you and I and like @Sinister has done the window to recover is smaller. Then you have freight trucks that weigh 70-75,000 smoking brakes going down. There is no excuse in it.

 

[Oxbow]

I still go down one gear slower than I came up. With weights like you and I and like @Sinister has done the window to recover is smaller. Then you have freight trucks that weigh 70-75,000 smoking brakes going down. There is no excuse in it.

This reminds me of a number of occurrences, some were pretty funny.

Maybe it would be good to start an old trucker stories thread?

 

[Sinister]

FYI I'm basically giving the excuse you're going to hear for the next umpteen years.

 

[Humble pie]

This reminds me of a number of occurrences, some were pretty funny.

Maybe it would be good to start an old trucker stories thread?

That would be a good thread. I don’t have much to add to it, but it’d be a fun read.

 

[Hammer166]

FYI I'm basically giving the excuse you're going to hear for the next umpteen years.

Trust me, I'm hearing it on FB.

 

[Oxbow]

That would be a good thread. I don’t have much to add to it, but it’d be a fun read.

I don't know, anybody that has been on the road for any length of time is bound to have some good tales.

 

[AK7]

This reminds me of a number of occurrences, some were pretty funny.

Maybe it would be good to start an old trucker stories thread?

The past is the past.
Statue of limitations and all.

 

[Hammer166]

I voted yes. Old fashioned I know, but the old boy that taught me how to drive in a 1970 Pete with 318 with Jakes and 5x4 told never me never to go down a pass faster than you can hold it with the Jakes. If the Jakes fail you have about one shot to get slowed down using the service brakes. That attitude may be a bit antiquated, but it has always worked for me.

That's exactly it. Most of these fools run down the grades and think that because they never get smoke, they did fine. Having to make a hard stop while downgrade would educate them. Their brakes might last 5 seconds before they blow into smoke and fade.

But us old folks don't know nothing because we didn't go to trucking school.

 

[Electric Chicken]

I don't have jakes so I'll vote after I died on Rt 30.

 

[Mike]

Always driver error.

 

[Electric Chicken]

1. Some companies disable manual mode.

2. I don't know what happens to the transmission when you lose air in one while in motion. I know you can't move if you're already stopped though.