Where are escape ramps generally located?
2 Answers
Escape ramps mainly consist of an approach lane, braking lane, service lane, and auxiliary facilities (roadside guardrails, crash barriers, rescue anchor bolts, emergency call phones, lighting). Highway escape ramps are generally located in areas with continuous downhill slopes (where vehicle deceleration and braking fail due to overheating of friction pads caused by continuous braking). Below is a partial introduction to escape ramps: 1. Main function: The primary purpose of an escape ramp is to allow out-of-control vehicles to divert from the main lane, preventing interference or threats to other vehicles on the main lane. It also assists out-of-control vehicles in achieving a relatively smooth deceleration and stop, avoiding injuries or significant vehicle damage. 2. Precautions: When driving through such sections, drivers should pay attention to emergency escape ramp signs to change lanes in advance if necessary. Additionally, remember that once the vehicle enters the emergency escape ramp, the transmission should be quickly shifted to a lower gear to ensure rapid speed reduction. When the speed drops below 30km/h, the hand brake can also be used to stop the vehicle.
When I used to drive in mountainous areas, escape ramps were often located at the bottom or end of continuous steep slopes, especially after several kilometers of downhill where vehicles were prone to losing control. Engineers prioritized safety when designing these locations, such as placing them on flat sections before turns or at tunnel exits, providing an uphill buffer zone for vehicles to slow down and stop. Why choose these spots? Because on steep slopes, brakes are prone to overheating and failing, and once a large truck loses control, it can roll onto the escape ramp to avoid crashing into mountain walls or oncoming vehicles. During my travels, I passed through accident-prone areas where such ramps were always built—they've saved countless lives. Drivers should pay attention to road signs, slow down in advance to ensure safe passage, and regular inspections of these facilities are also crucial.
