Taking a road like the dragon will double fuel consumption compared to more suitable routes, add a hefty fine to that and your working for free. Drivers are payed by mileage biased on legal tariff routes, there's no benefit to shaving or padding miles. Companies can't force a driver to violate hours of service rules, traffic laws, or use prohibited routes.

Driver and company infractions are monitored by the DOT, any evidence of repeated intentional violations would get the driver or company suspended by the DOT. Operating on prohibited roads, without proper permits or authority is serious business, they don't fool around.

One time I got lectured by a concerned citizen that a large double trailer semi like I was driving had no business on "his" road, I didn't bother to tell him that it was a load of portland cement to be used in the process of rebuilding "his" road. Funny how some folks pass judgment without even knowing where the truck is going, what it is carrying, or why it is on a particular road.
Goods and materials don"t magically appear in towns on small back roads, they come in by truck.

Those trucks simply need to learn trail braking by downshifting at the corners.

I never claimed I did or do! The Dragon IS a shortcut though -- so why are truckers choosing to take that route rather than another road that adds quite a few hours to the trip? More time for hookers and blow?

They also have to blip the throttle.:lol3

But do they countersteer?? :evil

I know they are paid for the mileage but could you explain to us why they take this road then?

Few options of my own:

1. They get paid for the mileage taking this shortcut into account; maybe not a "tidier" profit but an "even" profit at least.

2. The contract doesn't take the shortcut into account so they save few miles and time. Win win scenario.

3. The money is irrelevant because they are payed for actual mileage but their time is valuable; so they save something by taking the dragon.



Why the hell would they take the chance otherwise?


I don't really care what the reasons are...but you can't come here naming someone an idiot without any further informations to back up your claim.

I am willing to bet that most of the truckers you see in these pics are first timers (on this road).
If I got on a road this tight I would make sure I never went on it again.

The link goes to a website warning about trucks and the Dragon. Out west, that sign would read "Trucks over 35 feet knigpin to axle PROHIBITED next XXX miles"'

Originally, it may be much smaller commercial vehicles paid for that road to be paid. Now those taxes get used (in Oregon) to pave bypasses.

This was my first thought when I saw those truck there. I remember last year a trucker got a huge fine for trying to go over McKenzie pass.

The short simple answer,

If it is a long haul truck load truck.
They got really lost/confused, getting off the interstate freeway system will ultimately waste time, effort and money unless the destination is in the area. Shortcuts in a semi are a fools errand.

If it is a local short haul LTL truck.
It may be both the origin and destination are local to the area.

In the 20+ years of being a truck driver, I have been in some crazy remote places, its never easy or fun, but sometimes it has to be done.

:rofl

That guy is so screwed.

I would like to see the next few seconds.

He saves it!
 

http://bp3.blogger.com/_LxZ4Mi3rR3Q/...0/img_8257.jpg
http://bp0.blogger.com/_LxZ4Mi3rR3Q/...0/img_8258.jpg

Solid skills and presence of mind. Or the end of an ass kicking streak of luck. Me I'd take either one.