The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has a traffic camera posted at mile marker 139 on I-24 East in Marion. It’s pointed directly at a steep runaway truck ramp. This year, the camera caught at least two semi-trucks hauling themselves up the dusty incline. During one of these events, a smaller passenger vehicle found itself stuck between a rig with failed brakes and its path to safety.

TDOT traffic camera captures a runaway truck taking another car up with it

In the video, several trucks and passenger cars populate the left and center highway lanes. Suddenly, a semi-truck enters the frame, traveling in the middle lane. You can see smoke coming from the wheels. Unfortunately, three passenger cars in the left lane block an early exit to the runaway truck ramp.

It seems the truck driver waited as long as they could before deciding to just go for the ramp. In response, the driver of what looks like a compact SUV immediately pivots their steering toward the ramp as well to avoid colliding with the semi-truck.

Together, both vehicles glide toward and enter the ramp. The red SUV quickly slows to a halt near the bottom. The semi-truck barrels halfway up the ramp before stopping in a cloud of dust and smoke.

A van traveling in a close front position continues down the highway. After the two vehicles exit, another SUV behind the red vehicle carries on as well. A slew of passenger cars and commercial trucks follow in the center and right lanes. The semi-truck continues to smoke heavily as the red SUV’s driver exits their vehicle.

The video is certainly a reminder to motorists to stay alert and aware of their surroundings. On a three-lane highway, the left lane should be used for passing only. If you see something unusual, like smoke coming from under a nearby truck or car, give plenty of space. Don’t block an emergency exit, like a runaway truck ramp. Kudos to the driver in the red car for their quick, safe pivot onto the ramp.