Loss of Breaks, 1980's, by Jeff Bamberger

From MemoryArchive

Who: Jeff Bamberger
What: Loss of brakes
When: Early 1980's
Where: Western Maryland

In the early eighties when the gross weight of a five axle truck was 73,280 pounds, it was not unusual for truck drivers to load that much on the trailer. At the Baltimore Piers, I loaded two mine roof support jacks, each weighing 34,000 pounds going to western Maryland. Once you got past Hancock Maryland, truckers usually ran Maryland Route 40 and 48, no interstate. This state route went through the mountains of western Maryland with some very steep up and down grades, through small towns and hamlets.

Just after climbing to the top of a mountain and starting down the other side, the air line that fed the trailer brakes popped off. When I started downhill, I found out that I only had two axels braking instead of four. Now remember, I was grossing about 95-100 thousand pounds and lost half of my brakes. I rode the hill down hoping there would be no slow traffic in front of me and no sharp curves. I ran this road before, but I was not very familiar with it. I felt similar to a runaway train going 80 to 90 miles per hour, or faster. The road then had a sweeping curve but no real sharp curves. At that moment I felt that an angel must have been with me because there was no traffic in front of me. As I was riding down the hill, all the weight in the truck pushing forward made it feel as if I was going through the floorboards.

I rode the hill out and was now going back up. I finally had this under control. When I got to the top of the mountain I pulled off to the side and took a moment to catch my breath. When I went to step out to see what happened I fell to the ground because my legs were so weak and shaky. I made the repairs needed and went on to deliver the load. This was probably one of the scariest experiences in my life thus far. I am very thankful that nothing fatal or disastrous happened that day, and I am glad to be where I am today.