Truck crashes on steep downgrades are often caused by brake failures resulting from overheated brakes generated by excessive braking. Research at the University of Wyoming has resulted in a better understanding of the relationship between truck weight and the maximum descent speeds necessary to prevent road crashes on mountainous downgrades. Prior to this phase of the research project, the maximum speeds were only designed to prevent brake fade and runaway trucks. Now maximum speeds set using the newly created model are also set to prevent rollover and skidding/side slip in addition to brake fade. The model was also created to account for trucks equipped with only drum brakes, which includes most trucks in the United States.
Truck crashes on steep downgrades are often caused by brake failures resulting from overheated brakes generated by excessive braking. Research at the University of Wyoming has resulted in a better understanding of the relationship between truck weight and the maximum descent speeds necessary to prevent road crashes on mountainous downgrades. Prior to this phase of the research project, the maximum speeds were only designed to prevent brake fade and runaway trucks. Now maximum speeds set using the newly created model are also set to prevent rollover and skidding/side slip in addition to brake fade. The model was also created to account for trucks equipped with only drum brakes, which includes most trucks in the United States.