A dramatic video from westbound I-70 near Eisenhower Pass shows just how important Colorado’s runaway truck ramps can be when a commercial vehicle loses control.
The video was taken and shared by Connor Storer and later highlighted by the Colorado State Patrol. It shows a runaway semi-truck traveling downhill toward a designated emergency escape ramp along the interstate.
The incident occurred back on September 6th of this year, serving as a rather intense reminder of the dangers trucks can face while descending the state’s steep mountain highways.
Uh so this just happened. pic.twitter.com/oInoKnZAMw
— Connor Storer (@ConnorStorer) September 6, 2026
Runaway Truck Ramps Provide a Critical Escape
Runaway truck ramps are specifically designed to give vehicles with failed brakes or other mechanical problems a way to safely leave the highway before reaching other motorists. Colorado State Patrol used the video to highlight an important safety lesson for drivers traveling alongside or behind a runaway truck.
If a driver notices a runaway semi approaching from behind, they should remain calm and attempt to merge to the left when it is safe to do so. According to Colorado State Patrol, all runaway truck ramps in Colorado are located on the right shoulder. Moving left can give the truck a clear path toward the escape ramp and reduce the possibility of a collision.
For anyone traveling through the state’s mountain corridors, the situation is also a reminder to stay alert and leave runaway trucks as much room as possible to reach safety. It also serves as a great reminder to never park in or block one of these runaway truck ramps, as they serve a very vital safety purpose.
Colorado’s I-70 tend to see a lot more traffic in the winter, when the state’s many ski resorts attract visitors both in-state and and out-of-state. If you’re planning to visit one of the many resorts with your own car or a rental car this winter, make sure you’re well aware of the safety rules and guidelines that come with the I-70 mountain cooridor.