Volvo to put cameras inside its cars to watch you next year

[RickHaleParker]

I cannot think of any mechanical issue that would cause a runaway. Trucks are equipped with spring brake to prevent that and they work unless the driver brings then to thermal saturation.

There is brakes out of adjustment but that is a maintenance/inspection issue not a mechanical issue.
There is dragging the brakes but that is a driving issue again not a mechanical issue.

Vehicular manslaughter charges would stick even if it is a bona fide runaway. The driver must do something wrong to get in a runway condition.

Anyway you cut it he committed an act of omission or commission in violation of FMCSA regulations.

[93Regina]

thermal saturation...brakes out of adjustment

I suspect just about all over the road trucks today have self-adjusting brakes....I believe by 1990s, this was mandatory on new equipment.

Where he got the lumber is an unknown, but if he came down from Eisenhower tunnel, he very well could have glazed brake shoes if no Jake type brake existed. 23 years old, and from Texas...most likely no mountain experience. ."He is in the United States legally on a green card, police said."

Regardless, a good driver is always looking ahead, especially in city environments. Eyewitness suggested he was 'high balling,' like 80mph, but eyewitnesses can get it wrong. Looking at photos, an alert driver could have seen trouble ahead.

[93Regina]

Automatic slack adjusters have been required for trucks and tractors since 1994 and trailers since 1995.

https://www.truckinginfo.com/153150/brake-maintenance-1

[RickHaleParker]

Automatic slack adjusters have been required for trucks and tractors since 1994 and trailers since 1995.

Some of them only adjust when you back up and flat beds don't back up as often as a van. Still brakes are supposed to be inspected and documented in the Driver's Daily Vehicle Inspection Report. There is no legal excuse for out of adjustment brakes.

[RickHaleParker]

Regardless, a good driver is always looking ahead, especially in city environments.

Smith System:
1. Aim High in Steering.
2. Get the Big Picture
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
4. Leave Yourself an Out
5. Make Sure They See You. (This is what the air horn is for. I pisses them off when you blow it but they see you.)

[93Regina]

only adjust

For Class 8 trucks, application air pressure adjust them. Tech: Page 3: The Haldex automatic brake adjuster is a clearance sensing brake adjuster that maintains a nominal distance or clearance between lining and drum.

But, if a driver is light footed, they may not adjust.

FWIW: FMCSA Brake Regulations 101

RE: Smith System

Never heard of it, but on a different note, I suspect "driving schools" may not teach students the most important "ABCs." It needs to be done one-on-one, with a checklist to complete. Watching videos and taking tests does not cut the mustard.
==============

Tidbits - "...has driven in Texas, Colorado and Wyoming....why Aguilera-Mederos did not use an emergency truck ramp along I-70....Investigators say the couple their cell phones to record the semi near the Genesee exit, noticing a trail of fluid from the rear of the truck."

Apparently, he came down from Eisenhower tunnel, and was "high balling" where an escape ramp existed. So, he could have smoked (glazed) his brakes, but a "trail of fluid" is puzzling....maybe brake smoke. All this said, he still would have had some braking ability, but a much longer distance would be required. Note - He was miles from where accident happened when he smoked his brakes, most likely.

In short, he was not trained, or it did not sink in...now he's history...and he will be traumatized for rest of his life.

[RickHaleParker]

Genesee exit, that would the long steep grade just west of Lakewood.
The problem is he was trained, trained to pass a test not educated on how to do the job right.

[precopster]

On September 8th 1998 a runaway truck careered down the steepest part of Punt Rd Melbourne collecting me and six other cars.

I was in a 1989 Nissan Prairie. The company running the truck was Pacific Waste. They had purchased a used skip bin collection vehicle that had received an illegal brake pedal repair. The pedal had been welded by the previous owner's repair centre and snapped off as the driver applied brakes at the crest of the hill.

Over 7 tons of truck finally rested into the rear of a bus with a VW beetle wedged in between. The Beetle had plowed into all the six vehicles with the truck riding the tail like someone pushing a billy cart.

It was a miracle nobody was seriously injured. The only feature that may have prevented or mimised the accident's impact is auto braking.

[93Regina]

Genesee exit,...west of Lakewood.

Not too far from the Sleeper House

[93Regina]

The only feature that may have prevented or mimised the accident's impact is auto braking....truck riding the tail like someone pushing a billy cart.

Chances are vehicles hit did not have full braking engaged, which would lessen impacts.

For those not aware of Bill Carts

[youtube][/youtube]