Travis' fractured ankle at Columbus - Page 3

Travis Miller · 10-01-2007, 02:42 PM

Yes I did fracture my ankle at the Sportsnationals race. This is being posted in hopes I can save someone else from going through what I am going through.

I slipped on the rear door ramp coming out of the Div 3 Tech trailer Thursday during tech. I was not in any hurry and the ramp had deck plating on it. When I fell I heard my leg bone snap. X-rays at the hospital confirmed everything. I was operated on Friday. A plate with screws holding the bone together are now a permanent part of my leg. My wife and two daughters brought me home to Louisville Saturday afternoon. I must stay off the leg for at least 6 weeks.

As I lay in the hospital bed Thursday night with a temporary cast on my leg anticipating surgery the next day, I went over and over in my mind how the accident happened. We all are aware of the rear door ramps on most enclosed trailers. And at one time or another we have all slipped on them. Usually we do not fall, simply telling ourselves to be more careful next time. That night in the hospital I came up with a solution that could possibly keep this type accident from happening.

The door need only be used as an inclined ramp when loading or unloading vehicles. If it is raised up level at all other times it becomes a flat deck. One would have to step up onto the deck or step down off the deck but it would be level. This eliminates the incline or as some call it...the slippery slope. Skid proof surfaces can be installed but while they may increase traction the ramp is still an incline when lowered all the way.

It is very easy to make stacked wooden blocks to place under the rear corners of the door bringing it up level. Handles could be installed on the blocks making it simple to remove them when it comes time to put a vehicle away inside the trailer.

Again I am posting this because I do not want to see any of you go through what I am currently experiencing. Believe me, at 59 years old a broken bone is no fun. Neither is looking forward to 6 weeks on crutches. It is also my right leg so that means I will have to be driven everywhere.

Good luck to everyone the rest of the racing season. Hope to see you all next year.

(Disclaimer: Ideas and opinions expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my ideas and opinions. I just hope this idea can save someone else.)

10-01-2007, 02:42 PM	#1
Travis Miller Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 478 Likes: 1 Liked 276 Times in 27 Posts	Travis' fractured ankle at Columbus Yes I did fracture my ankle at the Sportsnationals race. This is being posted in hopes I can save someone else from going through what I am going through. I slipped on the rear door ramp coming out of the Div 3 Tech trailer Thursday during tech. I was not in any hurry and the ramp had deck plating on it. When I fell I heard my leg bone snap. X-rays at the hospital confirmed everything. I was operated on Friday. A plate with screws holding the bone together are now a permanent part of my leg. My wife and two daughters brought me home to Louisville Saturday afternoon. I must stay off the leg for at least 6 weeks. As I lay in the hospital bed Thursday night with a temporary cast on my leg anticipating surgery the next day, I went over and over in my mind how the accident happened. We all are aware of the rear door ramps on most enclosed trailers. And at one time or another we have all slipped on them. Usually we do not fall, simply telling ourselves to be more careful next time. That night in the hospital I came up with a solution that could possibly keep this type accident from happening. The door need only be used as an inclined ramp when loading or unloading vehicles. If it is raised up level at all other times it becomes a flat deck. One would have to step up onto the deck or step down off the deck but it would be level. This eliminates the incline or as some call it...the slippery slope. Skid proof surfaces can be installed but while they may increase traction the ramp is still an incline when lowered all the way. It is very easy to make stacked wooden blocks to place under the rear corners of the door bringing it up level. Handles could be installed on the blocks making it simple to remove them when it comes time to put a vehicle away inside the trailer. Again I am posting this because I do not want to see any of you go through what I am currently experiencing. Believe me, at 59 years old a broken bone is no fun. Neither is looking forward to 6 weeks on crutches. It is also my right leg so that means I will have to be driven everywhere. Good luck to everyone the rest of the racing season. Hope to see you all next year. (Disclaimer: Ideas and opinions expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my ideas and opinions. I just hope this idea can save someone else.) Last edited by Travis Miller; 10-01-2007 at 02:45 PM.