there was an rver commented on the above news, the numbers quoted is probably true, very startling:
We see evidence of vehicles that have burned every time we travel between our two homes.....in Mesa, and Payson, Arizona. The distance between the two cities is roughly 80 miles.
Elevation in Mesa.....1,240'. Elevation in Payson.....4,890'
Between the two, you pass over Mt. Ord. Elevation.....7,129'
The downhill ride in either direction is long and steep.
One trip not long ago we started counting the number of charred spots along the Beeline Highway (Rt 87) where you could see a vehicle had burned along the shoulder of the road. I forget the total number, but it was well over 100. And that was just northbound. I imagine southbound is similar, if not greater.
Payson and beyond encompasses vast recreational areas and destinations. Many of the vehicles that burn along the roadway are RVs. Motorhomes, trucks pulling trailers and 5th wheels.
A few passenger cars/pickups burn, a few commercial trucks.....and the occasional U-haul with an inexperienced driver also.
When you travel mountain roads you really do see how often it happens.
Most often to people that simply don't know proper or safe braking and transmission down shifting procedures.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/teton-pass-motorhome-fire-348648-2.html