The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is reminding truckers about the dangers of overheated brakes following a recent big rig blaze on on I-80.

 

On March 18, CHP – Donner Pass Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility took to social media to remind truckers that a long negative grade can spell disaster if you don’t know how to manage your vehicle’s braking systems.

From CHP:

Give those brakes a break! Truck drivers: Westbound I-80 just past the Blue Canyon exit, is a long negative grade. Effective compression braking will allow you to safely traverse down the mountain, alleviating the stress on you braking system. When brakes overheat, catastrophic results happen as depicted in the pic below. Also, ensure to complete a brake system check at the Blue Canyon brake check area!

Stay safe out there!