Truck Drivers are going to want to see him in jail for murder- because he violated the law by not taking the ramp- AND IT CAUSED LIVES TO BE LOST!
And every truck driver knows not to use his/her breaks in the mountains and they know why not to use them. This was drilled into them while training.
You have to use your tach in the mountains and keep the RPM's down so that you can use your trans to regulate your speed- AS YOU KNOW but I thought I'd throw that out there for everyone else's appreciation.
So yes, the Truck Drivers have a strict safety code- and he violated it- and they will want the book thrown at him.
I drove trucks also but very late in my career. So, I really don't have much sympathy for this guy either!
Let's just say, he better be glad I am not the judge or on the jury - in his case!