Re: [MV] Emergency stopping
Jim Davidson (datadoc@fia.net)
Tue, 25 Nov 1997 17:24:32 -0800
This is kind of a fun thread, one of those things that you think about but
hope never happens! I doubt there's much chance of the hand-brake in my M54
shearing a prop-shaft. Nor is there much chance of it slowing the truck
down, either! It's pretty small compared to the service brakes. I do think
that engine braking is a good idea, tho. You need to be careful if you
change gears, not to get stuck between. If you're on a hill, you might be
better off to stay in whatever gear you are in. A gas engine provides decent
braking action, Diesels or multifuels probably don't provide much, unless
you happen to have a 'jake brake'. I don't think that's stock on many MVs.
:)
This is not an unheard of problem, even for modern big-rigs. In CA we have
'runaway truck ramps' on long/steep sections of freeway. Basically a long
deep-gravel off-ramp, with a big pile of gravel at the end. Word to the
wise: The truckers say you have a better chance of survival if you aim the
truck at the ramp and jump out. I guess the tendancy is for the truck to
stop and the load to continue on through the cab. ugh! I think they are
mostly to protect the other motorists, the truck driver is expendable!
JIM :}
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