Four dead, semi driver arrested after I-70 fiery crash involving 28 vehicles; westbound lanes open

[@davidhayes3366]

I’m a commercial OTR driver of 23 years. I’ve driven I-70 for 15 years. EVERY time I come down east bound 70 into golden/Lakewood CO down grade. Truckers COMPLETELY disregard the truck speed limit, hauling ass with absolutely no regard for safety. They’re breaks get hot and fail, BECAUSE they’re driving TOO FAST, period. The speed limit for trucks needs to drop to 35 MPH down hill, with heavy state patrol. YOU GUYS NEED TO SLOW DOWN AND TAKE YOUR PROFESSION MORE SERIOUS!!! THIS IS NOT NASCAR!! YOUR PUTTING PEOPLES LIFE IN DANGER including mine every day. I’m in 80 ft of truck seeing this kind of BS literally every week in a different state. You all wonder why we re so heavily regulated. Apparently not enough!!

[@peppernightlife8447]

David Hayes I believe that they can correct brakes systems even if they need to put in over ride buttons to shut off the semi trucks if anything mechanical goes wrong! They needs to put updated sim trucks on the rd !!

[@maxshelltrack9720]

I wonder if they could implement PTC technology in big rigs like they have in trains.

[@spirithawk2418]

Amen brother

[@dburch7894]

Best comment.

[@patriciahouser5737]

Thanks for being one of the good ones, David, and for looking out for us all.

[@chuckyf-u2395]

It's such a easy problem to fix...quit giving license so easy to these drivers who have little to no knowledge of trucks

[@tacticalg6686]

Make it harder to get a CDL

[@tacticalg6686]

Good point Steve

[@ShadyLurker16]

Or illegal immigrants with a kindergarten education.

[@chuckyf-u2395]

@Lee Connor really Lee!!! I'll give you a quick example I saw a driver (steering wheel holder) at the service counter at a TA to get work done to his truck, and when asked what kind of truck was it....he had no idea what kind of truck he was driving. This is what trucking has become. smh

[@mattdoe2368]

Yes make them team drive with a vetrine driver for 1.5yrs before they can go.solo so many hrs in a simulator like they do in planes

[@kikito707]

I’ve been driving for 16 years. There’s so much he could have done other than the obvious. Flip your truck in the grass or put it against the barrier. Something

[@newdimension4731]

that s what i would of done, AIM THE GRASS and stay in it... the truck would stopped by sinking in it.

[@ggadventures6654]

Thank you for saying that. So true

[@ZeusM2k12]

Jesus Espinosa being a truck driver also thought about that. Like why would you keep passing hundreds of cars knowing your brakes went out and things won’t turn out good and not affect anybody in that traffic. I would sacrifice my life hitting something else and not keep going at that rate of speed heading for heavier traffic.

[@kenboiidabarber]

Thank you for your honesty as a real man and driver...we need more heroes like you driving....and training/owning these trucking schools.

[@QiuyuanChenRyan916]

Well, then you might wonder why he won't do that, isn't it?

[@josej.eduardo6827]

I pray every time that I drive I-70,I see a lot of ugly stuff in this highway, deserves respect.

[@gracefullsteps1]

Pray everytime on the road. Psalm 91

[@truckindawg1]

This is my 20th year driving trucks. The ONLY TIME I have EVER smoked my brakes to the point I couldn’t stop was DELIBERATELY just so I could experience first had how it feels and know what to expect . It was in a remote area with no traffic and had an upgrade at the bottom so I knew I would be ok. If you have never “experienced” it, its freaking scary! Even under a controlled circumstance. A good driver should NEVER smoke their brakes in an everyday situation..... EVER!!! There is NO EXCUSE! Period. “PUT IT IN THE DITCH “ is exactly what he should have done. Or deliberately lay that fat momma over on its side! Anything to avoid hitting other people! Most drivers believe in the old attitude “ give one to save many” Bad situation no matter how you look at it. Prior to that he knew the brakes were gone and should have hit the runaway truck ramp.

[@ZeusM2k12]

truckindawg1 Idk if he was trying to reach a runaway ramp just ahead or not but I would have put in the ditch or deliberately flip the truck and sacrifice my own life knowing that it wouldn’t end well for me regardless with that heavy traffic. I would not have wanted to put others in that kind of danger. Sad thing is that innocent people lost their lives while he walked away with his life looking like he didn’t even get a scratch on him! May they Rejoice In Paradise!

[@tristianwilson3497]

He made a statement that hasn't been very widespread and it read "I was going down the right shoulder and I couldn't anymore because another semi was stopped on the shoulder, so I swerved into traffic. I didn't go offroad cause I didn't want to flip." Basically he just admitted intent in that statement and he can be charge with 4 counts of 1st degree murder.

[@truckindawg1]

Tristian Wilson yes indeed!

[@UseADamnCoaster]

Exactly. As I understand it those are there to help avoid this exact situation

[@curacaokidd]

they are not sending their best drivers.

[@EarthquakeStar]

If you see that man on a corner buy him a meal. 👏🏾

[@IDIOCRACY-1984]

Wow. What generosity. If he were within a couple hundred miles from me I'd help him try to find a job and even give him a roof over his head until he could get his own

[@960Design]

No doubt, gives so much, he has nothing himself. I'll happily buy him a meal.

[@dhw14]

How the hell did he just drive right past that runaway truck ramp??

[@dhw14]

If that's true, why did he have the job? If you can't read traffic signs, you are unfit to drive a motor vehicle here....

[@aaireg]

23 years old how to get a job driving truck especially in the mountains and everybody thinks that guns are dangerous

[@There.Is.Only.Now.]

Both things are dangerous if you use them not the right way. Nothing to do with each other right?

[@pootthatbak2578]

Runaway truck ramp 1000 feet ahead...mi no comprendi, no read englis. Boom boom

[@leosdreamon681]

Age has nothing to do with it experience n proper training does.

[@leosdreamon681]

Wildflower Herbs I was referring to any one can get a cdl at any age as long as they meet the requirements of course with time..and practice does make perfect but it’s not only these new drivers season vets make mistakes because they comfortable n sometimes forget that it won’t happen to them due to the experience they have.it can happen to anyone at any time n place. Wether it’s ur fault or not

[@Stout4.0]

I'm 24. Been driving for 6 years no accidents here. Age isn't a factor

[@josej.eduardo6827]

So sad, poor victims RIP .

[@rogerhall7721]

Of course He could have Used the Escape Ramp which is designed for Truckers who's loses their brakes. But maybe whatever schooled he attended didn't teach him the basics of controlling a truck. Way too many Young Driver's with No Experience of handling a semi truck.

[@ebonybloom7689]

The company he works for should be held accountable!

[@Luukra]

Whichever school you attended obviously didn't teach you how to spell.

[@floyd452]

always gear down before you start the down grade not during the down grade

[@leosdreamon681]

at 23yrs I figured he was a rookie. in Tx that’s the legal age to To qualify for a Class A’ one year on the road does not make you an experienced driver...

[@davidbernal8622]

Supreme Superior99 the trucking company turned down 200+ applicants and decided on a rookie at half the wage for this run. May have had either a fake CDL or company just happy to pay peanuts. Result: death and destruction. Video of guy on speaker phone shows semi whizzing by uncontrollably 80 mph-90 mph!

[@danielroque6317]

It’s all about the right training

[@leosdreamon681]

mr fantastic don’t be surprised a lot guys out there still trying to get it right...slow n steady wins the race

[@leosdreamon681]

mr fantastic Lack of training n experience I think was the key factor.

[@RoadtoSolitude]

I’ve been driving since I was 21. I’m 30 now

[@samuelb6960]

Too many truck drivers today don't know what they are doing, a place I used to work at we truck drivers show up that couldn't back up their trucks so we had to do it for them.

[@mattdoe2368]

So true and again company's push the drivers to run hard

[@SuperPoshposh]

Mastery is Not a mystery it is the consistency ! It applies to CDL DRIVERS

[@jgodawa13]

Well there used to be a law that you had to be able to read a speak the English language to hold a cdl but they got rid of that law a few years ago probably why he drove by the runaway truck ramp signs.If he had any honor he would of taken the ditch to avoid hurting and killing innocent people.

[@hazy_thoughts]

Its ridiculous now. My 1st bank atm now ask for Spanish. I had great grandparents come for Mexico and learned English in months. Mexicans now dont want to bother.

[@Raider_Rue]

hazy_thoughts he was Cuban you dumb ass

[@spirithawk2418]

I agree with you. And im sure he understood the sign .....he was in a hurry with that load trying to make up for lost time. Seen it too many times as a fellow driver and dispatcher ....

[@jgodawa13]

@@spirithawk2418 something else was going on he was swerving around driving erratic idk I sure didn't see much if any brake smoke so...???I'm a 22yr driver with over 3 million accident free miles and year by year I see the quality of drivers going down

[@Luukra]

Found the racist!

[@randybailey8938]

I'LL BET IF MR.BARTON WAS DRIVING THAT TRUCK THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED,SOMEONE GIVE THAT MAN AN OPPURTUNITY...……..

[@bti2270]

Don't know what his back story is, but Mr Barton demonstrated his character on that fateful day. Hopefully, he will have the opportunity to turn his life around and something good can come from this tragedy.

[@aaireg]

All responsible trucking companies that do Interstate travel do not hire anyone under the age of 25

[@aw-2130]

Age doesn't matter it's training and personality that matters, megacarriers will throw anyone inside a truck these days. I see white old geezer drivers driving like idiots as well because of overconfidence.

[@truck554099]

Lol wrong answer. Insurance companies tell the trucking company what the age limit is. There is big companies that hire when your are 21 Now back in 80s most companies you had to be at least 25 not any more

[@RoadtoSolitude]

I started with a very good small family company at age 23. They wouldn’t let me drive alone for the first 2 years. The only thing they let me do on my own was operate a 40ft hotshot. I’m 30 now.

[@susankersh2557]

Just 23 years old?! And this young man is responsible for horrific deaths. Burned alive, if the victims where still alive, experienced an unbelievable anguishing tormenting death.

[@Mr.G626]

charge him with the deaths. he ignored the runaway ramp miles before the accident (or he didn't understand what it said), or he blew past it on purpose, i hear he was going 85 mph when he slammed into the vehicles. i watched his first court appearance yesterday, and the prosecutor stated not once did he ask about the victims or apologize ..he even had a translator present at the hearing. and look at his mugshot with that smug look on his face. all in all, something just doesn't feel right about this incident.

[@Ricken2022]

So your thinking he may have did it on purpose ? One thing I notice in the video a few miles up the road when he was swerving and just about hit another vehicle, I did not see the brakes lights on the trailer come on even once..Say his brakes were. Not working you would think just by a reflex action you would still be trying or atleast have the brake pedal down...

[@campos3452]

That SOB has a smirk on his face!?!? Give him the chair!

[@shaunpierce4174]

I hope a local business(man) saw this and offered Darren Barton a job

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

He’s a lazy bum. If he really wanted work. He’ll be at a job right now. Especially in this economy.

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

Yeah me too.but if I'm hauling a load in Denver's and see him then I'm buying him a steak dinner

[@huartanaso]

Everyone talking shit about the truck driver when they can't even drive their cars properly im a truck driver and i lost my brakes once. We try to avoid stupid people but people cutting down on a big truck trying to pass or just braking hard infront of a truck, and when this shit happens everyone is an expert.

[@960Design]

This is true. I've had vehicles cut me off on a downhill, I do not adjust braking for their stupidity. I cannot afford to have a runaway for one silly driver. Luckily I have not had one tag the front bumper yet, but if they do they will ride along until we get to the bottom. Just basic physics and heat transfer.

[@jessieodom7119]

worried? you should be! this is happening all over the nation inexperienced drivers! anyone can drive a truck today if you have a clean driving record and you don't have to ever drove a Manuel transmission they will train u just enough to get your license from the state of which you reside! doesn't matter the company he drove for has I bet other violations from inspections in the past now if the DOT shut this carrier down? no worries next week all they have to do is file bankruptcy and back in trucking with a brand new DOT number and maybe under a new name under a family member! sad but true, the trucking industry has screamed for new drivers so loud our government will bring in people from other countries to train to drive or even considering to lower the age to 18 for drivers! wow wait for that carnage! if it goes thru! but what this industry will not do is pay a living wage and support regs and laws that support the American driver! so many many experienced drivers left the industry because no one gets paid for there time and many other issues but mainly the pay and ELOGS a lot of it no parking most states shut down parking areas or rest areas and when you can't find a parking spot and go over the elogs time then its told no excuse you should pre-plan your route and get huge fines to the driver !sorry you can't preplan thousands of other trucks in same area and rely on you a safe parking spot ! so so many reasons why experienced drivers are leaving in droves. but don't be deceived there is no shortage of experienced drivers! just a shortage of drivers who will not work for nothing and live like a homeless person for weeks and months at a time, tell me who reading this? would go to your job? and wait for 2 to 8 hours before they unload or load and no pay for that waiting and when you finally are released (load or unload your trailer) and then your day starts your pay starts but the waiting has eaten into your working time because we have basically two clocks we run on driving and on-duty time, driving is 11 hours but on duty is 14 and when those 2 or 8 hours eat up your day that your not paid for, then u have not much driving time and that time is your pay,so who would work in insanity like this?the general public wouldn't park at their job for 2 or more hours then go inside to do their job to be paid?you would say screw you and out the door you would go !that's what is happening in trucking today and the department of transportation could fix many of these problems by just making the shippers and consignees pay for waiting times and make all-state build adequate parking in all states and they will not! and regulate brokers like I said many many problems, but all effect safety because they will always need drivers when the new drivers figure out how bad the industry has become! and you have an endless problem of inexperienced drivers doing this hope this helps you understand a little about trucking now

[@Luukra]

Could you please learn how to form coherent sentences?

[@floyd452]

AMEN Brother AMEN!

[@floyd452]

amen to Darryl that is

[@GuestYouTubeUser]

Fun Fact: You can go off duty Driving to find a safe place to park once you run out of hours. 😊

[@Samuel-I]

@@GuestKZbinUser .. not legally you can't. Don't fool yourself. That's not what PC is for. PC is when the customer holds you over your hours and won't let you stay on the property. It's your responsibility to find parking BEFORE your HOS has expired. Not use PC when your 11 is up to find something. If you're doing this, you'll get burnt.

[@livhonestly]

For only a year of experience you would think that he still be in training with someone who has several years of experience.

[@davidhayes3366]

Yes there is a chance the driver had mechanical failure. But he was obviously very inexperienced as are most drivers out there. He could’ve easily taken the escape ramp and saved lives. He didn’t know the area or that traffic is always bad that time of day, and probably decided to try and ride it out, gambling. I’m sure he freaked out and didn’t know what to do. But the odds are he was in a hurry, disregarded the 45 MPH truck speed limit, his truck was loaded, he brakes all the way down the hill speeding until his brakes got too hot and lost control. Happens all the time unfortunately. Bottom line is, whether it’s mechanical failure or driver error. It’s his fault. We as drivers are responsible for it all whether your a company driver or an owner operator. Check your damn truck and drive safe. Truck drivers like this make the rest of our lives hell with state and fed laws.

[@SortaProfessional89]

Everyone keeps saying that but what if there was no way to pull off the road for it without plowing into someone. Try to slow down possibly with distance or kill one car/person and try the runaway ramp. Clearly he is at fault and was going too fast but everyone is so quick to say what the right thing to do WAS, but everyone reacts differently in situations and who's to say you might of made the same mistake. I think the larger issue here is clearly the speed in which trucks travel on freeways. If he wasn't speeding this wouldn't of happened. Brake failure or not no one is going to stop an 80,000lbs truck when its going 75-85mph downhill.

[@batmanbatman4137]

THE PROBLEM WITH SMALL COMPANIES LIKE THIS ONE IS ALSO THAT THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR EQUIPMENT IF IT RUNS DRIVE IT THAT'S THEIR MOTTO AND THIS IS THE RESULT A VERY UNFORTUNATE RESULT .GOD BLESS THIS PEOPLE FOR THEIR LOSSES, DUE TO AN UNEDUCATED DRIVER AND A BAD COMPANY.,WHAT A HORRIBLE OUTCOME.

[@CynTheLasVegasGirl13]

I'd be looking into the company who hired him as well

[@eyeofbast]

It’s apparent that inexperience and poor training led to this unfortunate tragedy.

[@Liynkx]

Stupidity more than anything else. After a year you should know what a runaway ramp is for, but seeing as his brother cant even speak English he probably couldnt read either. Should never have gotten a license, you are required to be fluent in speaking and reading English to have a CDL.

[@terriesmith8219]

@@Liynkx In Texas, you don't have to be able to speak English, read or write English as long as you can memorized what the signs mean, you get to pass your driving exams. Most Texas CDL testing have Spanish translations so drivers don't even require to learn English. Texas is a shithole state, full of ILLEGALS just like California.

[@anthonychaput4086]

@@terriesmith8219 uhhh, hello. A CDL is a Federally mandated license. Requirements are the same in all states.

[@terriesmith8219]

@@anthonychaput4086 Have you ever worked in a Texas license place? I have and it's full of Mexicans who allow other Mexicans to get away with shit. We even have our manager who sometimes just let things slide because they know this Mexican person. The FEDS can't regulate shit.

[@tigersteele9552]

MUST BE A ENGLISH SPEAKING...READING...CITIZEN TO GET A CDL!!!!!

[@jessieodom7119]

the sad thing is Texas has a state law you must be able to read the signs and so many getting licenses that can't read or speak proper English there posted everywhere on Texas roads

[@terriesmith8219]

That's what happen when greedy company hire illegal. This man is not a U.S. citizen. They say he's a legal resident but I don't believe it. He probably forge that "legal resident" paper. Texas is known to look the other way when it comes to illegals.

[@leosdreamon681]

they do let you take ur exam in Spanish for any type of License basically anywhere’ jus sayin...

[@Luukra]

Found the racist!

[@memyself1176]

I agree must be able to speak, read, and understand English, but fuck a citizen, i want my CDL but im not a citizen, but a leagal alien 👽 authorized to work and live here!

[@diz0973ify]

Heavy loads, steep grades & high speeds DON'T MIX WELL. You have to be aware of your speed B4 it gets outta control. Slow & steady is the rule of the day

[@yohnny8839]

You can go down a mountain slowly a million of times, but just one time going fast.

[@abcragabc6466]

I really hope the trucking company is held responsible for their neglect. They hire whoever is willing to take the job, regardless of their experience or knowledge of operating big rigs, improper up keep of their semis and the pressure they put on the semi drivers to have their goods delivered as quickly as possible or risk not getting paid.

[@itsthekid9815]

Why would it be the companies fault? They aren't the ones giving out the licenses. I drove for a long time but the first time I drove and everything wasn't great I had a hard time. I wasn't taught everything I needed to learn. You can blame a company all you want but it's not going to help with these things in the future.

[@Perlx13]

focodoco if you read the article on the company you would know that the company has had previous infractions for breaks and employees not knowing how to read English street signs(it’s not known if this driver is the same one from that report though)

[@Perlx13]

focodoco I’m not saying the guy shouldn’t get charged, I’ve seen the videos, he could’ve gotten out of the way and just put himself in danger but the company also needs to get looked at due to the infractions they might’ve set him up for failure

[@abcragabc6466]

@@itsthekid9815 My point exactly, the companies should not hire inexperienced drivers to operate a multi ton monster on wheels. Ultimately these companies are responsible for the people they put behind the wheel of THEIR semis. The driver should also be held accountable for any wrong doing and negligence. I have talked to truck drivers and they'll tell you their pay depends on how quickly the can drop the cargo off at it's destination, this has led to carless, sleep deprived, irrational semi drivers on our roads.

[@itsthekid9815]

@@abcragabc6466 again I don't have a problem with them hiring people to do it. If someone has check all the marks to do it it's not the companies fault it's the system to licenses them fault. 3 big things go into every consumer job. Which is what the driver is as without them no consumer gets product. Supply demand and schooling.most experience driver at least most of the ones I know do local and most new drivers get stuck doing long distance. Not many drivers like doing long distance and most like doing local for obvious reason. So the demand becomes large for long distance drivers becomes higher and the the supply of long distance experience drivers is smaller. So business have to rely on the schooling system to actually do what they are meant to do and teach these people what they are suppose to do. I was fortunate to go to one of the better schools for this stuff and still learn little about what I actually needed to learn. People are so fast to blame companies and they turn a blind eye to the system that is failing these companies and the consumers.

[@billlecroy8635]

Either the company he was driving for didn't ensure that he was PROPERLY TRAINED, or he just ignored what he was told. On camera flying past a runaway ramp and continuing down. Yes, he should be charged, as well as the company he drove for

[@teriking2237]

god bless mr barton for saving those people! how about starting a fund to help him and victims of the crash?

[@richvanek1363]

Did anyone notice "NO SMOKE" from his breaks? And he swerved at the pickup truck? Sketchy, very sketchy!

[@helios1230]

swerved because he was losing control? he was going 85+ mph in a semi truck. im not defending him but thats probably why. he himself said he noticed his breaks were gone when he was going 85mph

[@aaireg]

If you can't read English you should not drive truck because you cannot read the sign for runaway ramp

[@joejoerobinson8724]

Don Brown Oh I agree with you man but in all your comments your grammar is completely fucked up, got to work on that

[@naomiferguson8331]

Truckers family does not know there are procedures to follow if brakes go out. He did nothing I can see.

These people have been here for at least two years; WHY are they still unable to speak English?? I know that isn't the most critical aspect of this tragedy, but if he doesn't speak fluent English then how can he be sure of being able to read highway signs? I appreciate the news channel demonstrating the details of this kind of driving; wonder if young Rogel went thru the proper training to prepare him for this huge responsibility. Can we get a home for this homeless man--Mr Barton--who helped the injured, in the midst of all that fire & the risk of more crashes?! Seems appropriate to show him some appreciation, he sure as hell didn't have to do that. Thanks to ALL the people who jumped in to help the injured and trapped victims.

[@2ndarmoredhellonwheels106]

As a truck driver who's been driving since 1992 accident free I'm ashamed of what the trucking industry has become today.we have drivers who can't speak or read English but there out there in a semi tailgating anyone who gets in there way.thank God I'm 2 1/2 yrs away from retirement.

[@digitalchaos1980]

Hope your retirement is going well! I didn't even know that accident happened until today. Very tragic and sad for everyone involved. And you're very right! I'm in North Florida and live by and commute along US 301 every day to work and back and I see so many irresponsible truckers tailgating, speeding past me in the left lane doing 70+, it's insane! And the local police don't do squat about it. It's very frustrating! Anyways, take care out there! 😎

[@Bethmcelderry14]

I don’t care if he didn’t know English the signs show pictures. I’m not a truck driver and didn’t need to go to school to know that the signs mean runaway truck ramp. He just didn’t want to die and sacrifice himself by just crashing his truck. Not making excuses but I’m sure he was scared. It’s a huge unfortunate situation. Incredibly sad. Sorry for everyone’s loss.

[@jessieodom7119]

I hate this! I feel for everyone involved. and I feel for this driver he made so many many mistakes he should have used the ramp first and foremost he could have turned in a ditch so many could have and nothing was done! I drove over the road for 32 years, not local driving all across the country, and I have never been in but one accident and that was on i15 in cali a 16 year old boy doing 80 or 90 and was in the 3rd lane and said he fell asleep and ran into the back of my trailer for weeks I dreamed of that low rider si0 pick up disengage into pieces before it went into the shoulder and stopped thank god he didn't get hurt but I know how it feels waiting to see if he was hurt never would wish that feeling on anyone every time for weeks after id see that lil pickup under the back of my trailer in my left-hand mirror as I said I have never caused an accident and that was the only one I was involved in but a thousand of close calls I still today dont know how I avoided them, every person is different and all situations are also so no one fix to all but I blame the trucking training company formost then the trucking company that hired him then I blame the driver for not having common sense and that my friends is the problem you cannot teach people common sense you either have it or you dont cant be taught! what person could not see traffic stopped and i know my situation and speed and no brakes!!! that i would not consider ditching my truck all he had to do was turn the wheel to the right hand and he would have overturned onto his side yes would he totaled his truck absolutely lost the load yes! maybe died in the wreck yes! maybe but to see all those cars and trucks parked with no out and just run full speed into them was not an option any experienced or sane person would do! no driver I ever meet in 32 years would have made that decision we would have turned the wheel

[@bennyh1661]

darryl harris you right but no body is perfect. "Freezing behavior"

[@raymondp.kotiiesq.5934]

Downshifting will not work when a truck is already over speeding down a hill, but it isn't it the driver's obligation to downshift before the brakes heat-up and the truck reaches an over-speed situation?

[@barbarakinard2769]

Why didn't he have 4 ways on ..use horn take an out...foreigners don't understand...

[@wahl44]

The driver doesnt have any bruises in the arrest photo

[@spirithawk2418]

And hes smilin bro. Im just in tears . Rips my heart out. I hate him

[@MrXxsoulessniperxx]

He was in a semi, not a mini cooper.

[@truck554099]

@@jasonbrodbeck wrong he did not have any other records so there was no other pictures

[@mgaeeeee9150]

@@spirithawk2418 were you involved or know somebody impacted by this event?

[@jandcmotorwerkz5097]

Seems like the driver is inexperienced and unfortunately doesn't understand the physics esp the energy needed to control a big heavy tractor trailer. Modern cars are well balanced weight/braking capabilities. That cars braking abilities would change if loaded with large amounts of weight,ex. Filling the trunk and the seats with bricks.The average driver would never experience that example. Those kind of dramatic differences are in effect on a loaded truck and (respect to experienced drivers) are understood and driving is adjusted accordingly. Experienced drivers are not compensated properly and the companies instead put these new kids in the seats. God help us every time we get on the road. I'm not a truck driver BTW, I'm a mechanic sharing an observation. This is an example of the worst case scenario of an industry wide problem. Sorry for ranting, like the driver in the story, I couldn't stop.

[@dennisschell5543]

Brake management is something PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS know how to do!!!

[@NathanKopilec]

It really sounds like ABC cut this up to make it seem like there was a legitimate excuse for this.. like nothing could have been done. I'm not a truck driver, but saying that you can't downshift sounds like total BS to me. I'm sure an actual truck driver can correct me if I'm wrong, but of course the transmission isn't going to go into lower gear by just forcing it. That's what double clutching is for... as you're moving to lower gear, you declutch and then step on the gas to bring the RPM up to match the transmission output shaft speed. Then you clutch again and slam it into gear.. all in a quick synchronized motion. It certainly takes practice, but I'm pretty sure that every good truck driver knows how to double clutch. The driver just simply didn't have enough skill and experience and shouldn't have been driving. In addition to not being able to double clutch and driving too fast to begin with, he failed to use the bailout ramp.

[@acox3527]

This is what runaway ramps were built and designed for why he never used it he doesn't have much trucking experience I've been with the same refrigerated company working on 7 years this year for next September im tired of the foriegners not speaking English or understanding our damn laws

[@eagle1_160]

Yo , im foreign I understand the damn law and 3 more lenguage , im also from cuba . I did my theory tests in my lenguage so cause I was more comfortable to understand it very well. Rest is required by law to be done only by english language. It's about responsibility not where you come from or what you speak. Even drivers with 0 knowledge of English now what a escape ramp is , how it looks like. He was scary, without experience, with short time . Thats what happens he screwed it out by inexperience. I had seen born americans doing stupid sht like hitting a dam diesel pump. Sadly we all aren't mentally strong to take control on situations. I think transit law fail in that point. Every single license should be giving after test of mental capacity , just a pilot license are giving, im tired of see dumb sht by truck and regular driver. People shouldn't had a damn bicycle.

[@anitaackerman3456]

Andrew & His Trucking Gnomes Hi Andrew! Hows yer hammer hanging? Say hey to the gnomes!

[@led_farmer]

Bring back all the truck drivers that lost their jobs to nonsense emissions

[@truck554099]

Lost their jobs because of nonsense emissions? I think not the only thing nonsense emissions done was kept older trucks out of California but didn't stop all of them

[@bigpardner]

Remarkable isn't it, how a man in such a horrendous crash seems to have escaped without a scratch? When are these Denver stations agree on how many dead?

[@amerocker]

I'd like to know why the truck driver passed the _runaway truck_ ramp?

[@bennyh1661]

amerocker who knows probably Freezing behavior

[@IDIOCRACY-1984]

He said that's what people do. They help each other but he's back panhandling I guarantee that brave man stays homeless

[@blakster05]

I just don't understand why he didn't go down in the ditch/grass instead of turning into traffic and killing people...

[@TheSpacemannspiff]

Another young trucker who wasn't trained properly, the Humboldt Broncos crash and now this. Transportation companies need to do a better job,training their drivers.

[@aw-2130]

Age doesn't matter, it's the training that does. Megacarriers put anyone in their trucks, and they pay the price and for their trucks that are wrecked.

[@mattc7879]

OMG we need to ban assault semis!!

[@newdimension4731]

Lost his brakes so he ram into a bunch of vehicules? why not head into the side where the GRASS IS and keep on the grass? wanna know why? the truck would of stopped more easily and sank INTO it. Yeah, trucks actually sink and gets stuck in grass cause of the weight.

[@tomservo5007]

a) how long did he have to make that decision? b) did he lose power steering too?

[@NewWaveFan1]

Burger Planet got some great footage.

[@LiezerZero]

This makes you wonder.. Would a self-driving semi understand to utilize a truck ramp, if it detected something wrong with the breaks?

[@Cod_barber]

Company is to blame

[@TitanFallDeath666420]

Can't even speak English and driving on our roads!

[@ggadventures6654]

If he did lose his breaks why didn't he hit the exit? Less cars? Could have swerved to the right off the exit. Plus the earlier video showing him erratic and swerving. Hmmm

[@Jaredsfarm]

Unless they can prove mechanical failure I can guarantee he rode his brakes, burned them up and lost control all together.

[@RockstarRanger01]

Truck driver should bee looked at a little deeper!

[@anthonychaput4086]

It was definitely an accident. A catastrophic one unfortunately. I drove that stretch of road many of times. I grew up in Jefferson county and spent 28 years there. I was considering getting my CDL at a point until I saw those runaway ramps being built. Just the thought of knowing they were built for a reason scared me out of pursuing a career in OTR transport. There are many mountain passes in America and they are all dangerous, especially in the winter. The I-70 pass through the Rockies is especially dangerous when driving a rig with air brakes. Even very experienced drivers have had to deal with that nightmare and there is not a whole lot technology can do at this point to improve braking on a Semi. The runaway ramps are very intimidating and the thought of ever having to use one is frightening. Rogel experienced first hand that nightmare. I believe he was unaware of the ramps however due to his inexperience, he has only 1 year of OTR experience mainly in Texas which is mostly flat. He is also Cuban and has only been in America 2 years and may not have been able to conceive the road signs which makes me skeptical how he was ever issued a CDL to begin with. It appears there is a degree of neglect with Texas issuing him a Commercial license and a degree of neglect from the company who hired him, for it is certain he wasn't properly trained and prepared for a haul of that nature. If he was he would have at least been aware of the ramps and utilized them or at the very least ran off the road in a ditch or something at first chance and sacrificed his load and also spare such a devastating collision with other motorists. One thing I can guarantee is the courts won't need to force him to give up his CDL. After this experience he will never wish to sit in the cab of Semi ever again. I believe Rogel had the best intentions and in no way meant any harm. He was dealt with the worse case scenario any truck driver could face. Unfortunately his inexperience, lack of proper training, inability to understand english and sheer panic ended with this result. He may have been negligent to a degree but what happened was not criminal. I really hope that the families of the victims as well as the court have some understanding of this and are empathetic to this young man as well. This is just a terrible tragedy for all who were involved. I am praying for you all. I wish Rogel luck. He was simply trying to make a living and it's not all on him. To see his life could be ruined over an accident at such a young age is sad. We all know every time we leave and hit the roads there are risks. I blame this accident on the issuer of the CDL. Who gives one a CDL who can't read informational road signs? I'm sure he is familiar with basic signs, shapes and speed limits but the big rig drivers must know how to read informational signs in english. I hope everyone learns from this and ups the CDL training standards a bit or this will happen again.

[@DanielGarcia-zz9eg]

Hello he had brake failure.coming down hill you will speed up till you get to the bottom or runaway ramp Looking at that truck it looks old. Maybe the transport company did not keep up with maintenance Last thing that might have cause it, he didnt know how to handle a downgrade hill. Rookie mistake he probably kept the brake on the whole time , burn it and lost his brakes Dont yall dare use this guy to Represent truck drivers. That's his fault

[@luisafernandar5294]

This is horrible. I feel bad for everybody involved and their families.💙

[@mikemiller5352]

Lost his brakes? Really ? How bout Jake brake and down shifting. BS !

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

Did you even watch the video?? 🤦

[@mikemiller5352]

@@Mr.Ramirez95 Sure did and he's in jail.

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

@@mikemiller5352 trucks don't down shift as the experienced truck driver in the video explained. He didn't mention about engine retarder though 🤔

[@judechristenson2952]

I am really glad that they showed this. Please pray for the people involved! So sad!

[@furiousghost4996]

The Government needs to step in 100 % not 50%. Truck driving is not a governed job like most jobs. Drivers are paid by miles from .25-.50 cents a mile, very few companies pay above 50 cents a mile. Try driving 500 miles and see how your body feel, fatigued I bet. Truck drivers drive 600-700 miles a (day) and is paid based on how many miles that they drive. Truck drivers are forced to meet dead lines on loads, even in the worse weather conditions, storms and traffic construction delays. Truck drivers are punished for arriving late to loads.Truck drivers arriving (on time) to a delivery in the trucking business means nothing. Drivers are not allowed to drop off early loads and is sent to truck stops to wait a day or two ((Without PAY)). All truck drivers need to be put on time clocks. Many Companies will not over work drivers, lets say a driver is making $25.00- $30.00 a hour. Many companies will not over work drivers. Another problems many truck drivers are having is being fatigued when driving. Driving none stop even for 4 hours can be a problem. Driving Fatigued do not mean a truck driver has worked over his or her drive time. Many truck drivers that drive for companies are forced to keep driving or fired. Companies excused for firing drivers is that the driver was late for a load. Truck drivers should be (allowed) to stop driving as soon as his or her start to feel fatigued......Unless the government and courts, law suits keep stacking. By not trying to hear from the drivers, which their voices is not heard. Many of these accidents could be avoided.

[@bubbiesdad]

Babble on.

[@pepperpigg5123]

Put it in the ditch!!!!

[@ShadyLurker16]

Judging by the smile on his face in the mug shot, it's obviously a purposeful attack.

[@deadbolt8706]

He looks almost smug.

[@curtishill6490]

And the whole story is at the end of the video👍👍👍👍

[@passtimer]

I can’t believe we went backwards in truck transmission technology. The old transmissions you could downshift, the engines let you know, but held the truck in control. Did he not have an engine brake? Bad deal!!

[@jeffreydavis2578]

That man saved lives! He deserves a second chance

[@beckylynn209]

How did he live through all that?? 😕

[@Kemoswavvy]

There is something very wrong if this guy ends up getting out of prison at some point.

[@justincase8239]

He admittedly was barreling down the shoulder at 85 mph, but the red and black tractor-trailer was blocking his path. He said he didn't want to die, so he swerved back into the four-wheelers and closed his eyes. Fucking coward.

[@iceninemelody3261]

Which firefighter was hurt?

[@hom240]

Pizza delivery and truck drivers face the same problems. They want you to work for cheap, deliver in nearly impossible time, and yet keep your license clean. For pizza drivers the infractions can lead to lose of licence, and for truckers one or two infractions could lead to unemployment with no one else willing to higher you. These companies attitude is use up your license then higher new suckers. That needs to change. Most infractions have nothing to do with safety and everything to do with revenue generating. The insurance rates are not based on any kind of reality.

[@deweygoodner1464]

I HAVE DRIVEN LONG HAUL TRUCKING IF HE LOST BRAKES HE SHOULD HAVE HIT THE RUN AWAY TRUCK LANE THAT'S WHERE HE MADE THE WRONG CHOICE

[@KevinP32270]

life in prison.

[@rebeccavoss6420]

Why is he smiling in the photo?

[@Luukra]

Most likely unintentional stress response. It might seem messed up, but quite a few people respond to extreme stress with uncontrollable laughter. It's more of a 'brain is shorting out due to stress overload' than a sign of malicious intent.

[@EmilianButoi]

WHAT WAS HE DOING AT 2:48 . THIS ADDING WITH HIS SMILE ON THE MUG SHOOT TELLS ME THIS YOUNG MAN HAS DEEP MENTAL PROBLEMS. God show me a delivery truck the very night, and i feel sorry for not sharing, but could this have been avoid? maybe with prayers and mine rather than sharing, maybe, but now what to take of this THE SPIRIT TELLS ME THE TRUCK DELIVERY DRIVERS SHOULD WORK 6 HOURS PER DAY. most get paid by mileage, percentage of dump even, only locals are mostly paid per hours. thats not safe. OTR on the road should also get paid per hour and 6 a day. LIKE THIS PROBLEM SOLVE IN ALL CAMPS. plus creates more jobs. Big compagnys should be happy they even exist and get more money than workers, so dont feel sorry or put their desire before yours ours safety and your babys. IS THERE ANY CHILDREN WHO GOT KILLED IN THE 4? OR BABY, IS THAT WHAT YOU WAIT FOR? OR THE NEWS HIDDEN THIS LIKE BEFORE????

[@TylerTheBassCreator]

He was trying to make the corner without rolling it ...

[@gregoryfrie8024]

Who ever gave him his license should be ARRESTED

[@robinlaniertomlinson5373]

No remorse on that face. 🤬

[@BoscoBoots]

There is a company that successfully tested drag belts for runaway trucks. The driver pulls an emergency lever in the cab that releases a drag belt mounted in front of the tires. The tires run over the belts which stay connected to the truck. The wheels lose contact with the ground and stop spinning. The truck drags itself to a stop in a very short distance. These mats are very inexpensive (relative to the cost of the truck) and extremely reliable. They should be mandatory on all heavy load trucks.

[@juicysweet8902]

I've been driving trucks for 30years. I still believe that they should make people who wants to learn how to drive commercial trucks should be in school for 2 to 4 years. Driving a big truck has always been my dream since I was 5, I have passion and respect for what I do, when it comes to driving my truck. I know some people are driving for the money but if you don't RESPECT the truck your going to differently get hurt or killed. I glad they showed that segment showing that it's not easy to stop trucks when your breaks get hot. I send my prayers to all the people and families. To my fellow truckers be safe see ya on the big road

[@960Design]

Back at ya. Stay safe, keep it in the lane.

[@kellystillwell3122]

Look this could happen to any off us. Coming down that mountain fully loaded , and losing your brakes. This guy had only been driving a truck for a year. He should have put it in the ditch, he would be the only fatality. They say you go with your first instinct. Maybe the dot could have a pull off area where the trucks have to come to a complete stop before going down the grade. Than lower the speed limits for trucks all the way to the bottom

[@jodyconnolly4541]

accidents happen, RIP, hearts to those who where lost

[@hazy_thoughts]

But as a cdl holder more is expected of you. Not using run away ramps tho coming out of the mountains after your breaks fail shows negligence.

[@terriesmith8219]

@Jody Yea, accidents do happen and let's wait and see till it happens to YOUR family member and we'll see how blase' your tone will be.

[@richeyrich]

jody connolly this was stupidity just like your statement.

[@starriderkittykat9064]

Going way to fast..if he wasn't, he could have slowed down in time...wouldn't have Killed 4 people, and the others will have to live with his decision to speed..live in pain..

[@dannyalbin7241]

For anybody feeling sorry for the truck driver he had loss his brakes before getting to the runaway truck ramp. As a truck driver myself with over 10 years experience I know especially that section of I70 to go slow and if my brakes should fail take the runaway truck ramp. Putting it in the ditch is still a better option then plowing through traffic. This guy intentionally blew by the runaway truck ramp and didn't even put it in the ditch to save lives. This guy deserves to be I prison for a long time.

[@ronsmith5569]

So was he legal? Yes or No?

[@terriesmith8219]

He's definitely NOT a U.S citizen. He's a "legal resident" they say but I bet even that is a lie. Texas is known to allow illegals to drive and companies would forge their papers so these greedy companies can hire illegal drivers for cheap.

[@blacksunray8532]

Dont want to get political but this is what the Democrats allow. They want open boarders and you dont have to read and speak English. You just have to vote Democrat. These things must change for the safety of the people.

[@SuperPoshposh]

He should have TURN OFF HIS TRUCK !

[@darrrenbetker4266]

And why arnt the rigs governed to 100kms/hour

[@TylerTheBassCreator]

They are governed. Most between 68 and 72 mph. but what does that matter? governers dont stop gravity.....

[@Bluebaby422]

This is so sad

[@lostwanderer8651]

So what's the point of them having breaks if they don't even work on the highway?! So these drivers are putting everyone at risk every time they drive. This is another reason these trucks need to fucking get off the road!

[@mushumokomodo]

build that wall

[@spirithawk2418]

Shit ....he came on a raft one wet foot one dry. He walks on in homie. Never heard any arguments to take away Cubans entry .....never . MLB and white Cubans in Miami will never allow it.

[@Luukra]

but how will we be able to steal your jobs then?

[@global6674]

Build that wall? Wasn't he legal? Don't think the wall would have helped out on this one.

[@justincase8239]

He is one of Cuba's main export...people who can swim.

[@truck554099]

@@spacecadet6930 no gays have more common sense

[@aaireg]

No speak English no drive truck

[@ograwdeal]

May not be a solution but there are things they can try. I say all diesels should ONLYbe on the road after dark when school is out and traffic isnt bad. They should be on the roads from like 8pm-4:30am. Funny how this is a crazy idea to many but would never try it out.

[@bubbiesdad]

Because it is a stupid idea.

[@spirithawk2418]

Family taking up for him. I bet if he was on the run they would NOT turn HIM IN.