Here in Arizona temperatures are creeping up and you know what that means. Summer's on its way.  Many of us will be road tripping out of the valley of the sun for summer vacation, to enjoy our amazing Arizona highways, or just to escape the heat. As you are driving the winding Arizona roads you will probably see the runaway truck or safety ramps off the side of the road. Most likely these signs do not take up much of your attention but they are surprisingly important to your safety and the progression of your drive. The Arizona Department of Transportation recently posted a video about these ramps' vital role.

The ramps are used at sections of the highway were steep grades occur for trucks and other vehicles. The steepness and length of the grade as well as frequency of trucking accidents are used to determine whether a ramp is necessary. Featured in the video is an explanation of the different types of ramps, how they work and what happens when they are used. According to ADOT Senior Resident Engineer Thomas Goodman says “every time a runaway truck ramp is used, it reduces crashes, it reduces road closures, it reduces injuries and possible fatalities.”

The video “Truck Escape Ramps Server Important Safety Role” is available at the ADOT website.

Jay Ciulla is a personal injury and wrongful death lawyer practicing throughout the state of Arizona.