The beauty of reality television is that there is much more than meets the eye. On a show like Ice Road Truckers, it’s more than just watching the truckers on their extraordinary journeys. Sure, they put the pedal to the metal, but driving these massive rigs on dangerous terrain is not as easy as one may believe. There is a science behind driving on ice, and it’s not what you think.
Ice Road Trucker veteran Todd Dewey told Collider that there is more to it than what viewers realize when it comes to driving on the infamous ice roads. Some of the roads that the truckers navigate may be over bodies of water, so if the ice is not firm enough, it could be disastrous. Having to be in tune with every sound while driving is key to success. The History Channel star has faced some terrifying experiences throughout his storied career, but even so, not every haul is a cakewalk. As he put it, when you hear the cracking underneath the bed of the truck, “Foot on the step, door cracked open.”
‘Ice Road Truckers’ Exposes the Science Behind Driving On Ice
As depicted on Ice Road Truckers, seasoned truckers are tasked with delivering crucial supplies to remote communities. With high stakes and potentially high rewards, Ice Road Truckers is an extraordinary emotional journey for the men and women who put their lives on the line. Returning to Season 12, Dewey is back with a new perspective and mission, but his skill and experience are keeping him on the road to success. When crossing the terrifying ice roads, Dewey described the feeling of hearing those thunder-like cracks beneath him and how he prepared for a potential escape. “You find yourself cracking your door open and getting a foot on the steps just in case,” he shared. “And you just, just naturally, you start doing it because your body’s telling you.”
When hauling 40 tons of supplies across a typical road, there isn’t a constant fear of what lies beneath. Instead, there is a necessity for knowledge about the physics and psychology of hauling 40 tons across frozen lakes. “You start crossing that ice… you watch those cracks in the ice bolt out from each side of the tire, and it almost sounds like a lightning storm right over the top of your head when it cracks.That’s how loud it pops,” he revealed. “That’s when you get flooded [with] emotions like, holy crap. This… this might just be it.”
Driving trucks on ice roads involves the physics of traction, momentum, and ice mechanics. While driving, special attention must be paid to maintaining a safe speed while keeping a keen eye on your surroundings. Because reduced friction from the ice can dramatically affect braking, acceleration, and steering, even a slight mistake can be fatal. But for drivers like Dewey, experience is key. Furthermore, how you initially load the truck from the start can help to avoid catastrophic occurrences. As seen during episode 4, part of his job is to clean the ice to know where the cracks are. With fresh snow, it’s harder to clean the ice, so he ended up driving blind with a haul that was at maximum capacity. It’s a dangerous decision, but sometimes, it’s the only choice.
Todd Dewey Is on the Ice Road To Redemption
For Season 12, Dewey has had time away from the road, but it was his passion that pulled him back. Knowing the feeling that comes with completing a haul, helping a community has become a gift. But this new chapter has also given Dewey a sense of redemption. As seen during episode 3, Dewey was able to battle his own nemesis: Asheweig Road. “Asheweig Road will tear the absolute crap to your body and your truck,” he revealed in the episode. Having gained experience on the road in the past, he knew the tricks of the trade, including the scientific demands that helped him conquer it.
Part of the issue he faced was having to respect the rules of the road. Because the road was already chewed up, signs warned truckers not to use snow chains. Though it can aid in the safety of the drive, further destroying what’s beneath can do irreparable damage. Unfortunately, in episode 4, when he was ready to win the war against Asheweig Road, Dewey struggled to get up a hill, causing his truck to slide backward. He had to make the tough decision to defy orders because science was not on his side. He put the chains on, conquered the hill, and victory was his. After eight years of doubt, his redemption was fulfilled. Thanks to the documentary-style storytelling, our truckers’ ability to bring an understanding of science from the industry helps to elevate the series.
Ice Road Tuckers airs Wednesdays at 9:30pm on The History Channel. All episodes are available to stream the next day.
