You know those long, steep, runway-strip-looking pieces of road that you always drive past on mountain highways with signs before them that read, “runaway ramp?” You rarely see them used and often wonder if they are necessary for the state highway system.
Well, this runaway ramp on Wolf Creek Pass in Colorado proved necessary on March 20 when a smoking semi was shown charging towards it due to an apparent brake failure. The truck’s wheels were smoking, and it was heading towards the ramp with its right blinker on, gaining more and more speed as it neared.
“‼️Runaway Truck Ramps Can Save Lives ‼️The west side of US 160 Wolf Creek Pass has two dangerous hairpin curves and a 7% downhill grade. If you over brake it. You Won’t Make it.
Check brakes before descending the pass (don’t ride your breaks)
Maintain low speeds and use low gears
Do not hesitate to use ramps if your truck is out of controlLearn More Trucker Safety Tips: www.codot.gov/travel/commercialvehicles/wolfcreekpass
Video Credit: Facebook users Sarah Kinser and Brad Kinser captured footage on March 20, 2025 of a commercial semi-truck utilizing one of the runaway truck ramps located on the west side of US 160 Wolf Creek Pass.”
The dramatic footage, recorded by a trailing driver and shared with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), shows the semi-truck with smoking brakes navigating two dangerous hairpin curves on the west side of US 160. The truck, visibly struggling to maintain its downhill speed, can be seen approaching the runaway ramp at pace.
Wolf Creek Pass, 180 miles southwest of Denver, is notorious for being a challenging drive. With a maximum grade of 6.8% and two hazardous hairpin turns, the pass has long been a concern for truckers and transportation officials.
Runaway truck ramps are designed to bring heavy vehicles to a safe stop when their brakes fail on steep descents. They use a combination of gravel, sand, and sometimes wire nets to increase friction and gradually slow down out-of-control vehicles.
The Colorado Department of Transportation has proactively addressed safety concerns on mountain passes. CDOT recently launched the “The Mountain Rules” program with the Colorado State Patrol and other organizations. This initiative combines educational efforts, improved signage, and dynamic alerts to enhance safety for truck drivers navigating Colorado’s challenging mountain roads.
