Whether you're a commercial vehicle making a delivery, a tourist in an RV or just driving a standard vehicle, mountain passes can be challenging for unfamiliar or unalert drivers. 

Using a low gear, pulling aside to cool your brakes, and knowing where runaway truck ramps are located can make a difference in preventing a potential tragedy on the road. 

• Check brakes before you travel and again before descending down steep grades. (Signs will warn you of upcoming steep grades.)
• Check routes carefully before traveling; just because GPS says it's the shortest or fastest route does not mean it's best for your vehicle type.
  • For example: WYO 22/Teton Pass has a year-round 60,000-pound weight restriction and a seasonal restriction to ALL trailer types.
  • Sometimes a longer route around is better than chancing it on a steep grade
• Know how different grades can affect your vehicle. A 10 percent grade, like on WYO 22/Teton Pass, will be harder on your brakes than a 5 percent grade.
• Don't overload your vehicle! Check your vehicles Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) before hauling large loads. Heavy loads will make steep grades even harder on your brakes. 

• Obey posted speed limits, including advisory speed warnings commonly seen on sharp curves
• Maintain a low speed using low gear (the "L" in PRNDL). Your vehicle may have additional engine braking options; learn how they work before descending a steep pass. Use flashing hazard lights to warn other vehicles if speed is lower than posted speed limits.
• Commercial vehicles: use your engine braking system (often called "jake brakes") to control your speed
• Take advantage of slow vehicle pullouts, scenic parking areas, or other safe areas to pull aside to allow brakes to cool
• Do NOT ride your vehicle's brakes; this will cause overheating and potential brake failure

• Remain calm!
• Try to alert drivers in your path with your horn.
• If available, use a designated runaway vehicle ramp or CatchNET arrestor system. You do not have to be a commercial vehicle to use these safety systems!
  • If using a runaway vehicle system, ensure vehicle stays straight and as center to the ramp as possible.
  • Once vehicle is safely stopped, call 911 to report the incident (even if there were no injuries)

MYTH: A truck arrestor like the CatchNET system will total your vehicle

FACT: When used correctly, a truck arrestor safely brings your vehicle to a stop with minimal damage

MYTH: My truck is too big for a CatchNET-style truck arrestor

FACT: The CatchNET system is designed to safely stop a 90,000-pound load traveling at 90 mph

Watch this 2021 video for more information about the CatchNET system.