>> ON THIS EPISODE OF<i> ICE ROAD
TRUCKERS...</i> [siren wails]
A MASSIVE ROLLOVER NEARLY TAKES A LIFE.
>> AND HE WAS LAYING RIGHT HERE. I'D RUN HIM OVER.
[horn honks] >> LISA'S BRAKE FAILURE CAUSES A
RUNAWAY TRUCK. >> I'M TRYING TO STOP.
>> AND NEW DANGERS EMERGE FROM THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT.
>> HITTING A MOOSE IS JUST LIKE HITTING A BRICK WALL.
THERE HE GOES RIGHT NOW. AW, GEEZ.
>> AT THE TOP OF THE WORLD... [horn honks]
THERE'S A JOB ONLY A FEW WOULD DARE.
[horn honks] JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT EXTREME
TRUCKING COULDN'T GET MORE DANGEROUS...
ICE ROAD TRUCKERS TAKE ON ALASKA.
[Aerosmith's<i> Living on the Edge]</i> >> IT'S FOUR WEEKS INTO ALASKA'S
BRUTAL ICE ROAD SEASON. TRUCKERS HAVE ALREADY FACED AN
ONSLAUGHT OF BREAKDOWNS... >> THIS SUCKS.
>> WHITEOUTS... >> CAN'T SEE AT ALL.
>> AND ROLLOVERS. >> THIS IS THE WORST SEASON THAT
I'VE BEEN THROUGH AS FAR AS THAT MANY BLOWS.
THE ROAD'S JUST GETTING REALLY EXCITING AND DANGEROUS AT THE
SAME TIME. >> CARLILE TRUCKERS HAVE HAULED
MORE THAN 500 LOADS TO THE OIL FIELDS OF PRUDHOE BAY.
BUT THERE'S STILL 1,500 MORE TO GO.
LAST NIGHT, A FIERCE SNOWSTORM LEFT DOZENS OF TRUCKERS STRANDED
IN COLDFOOT, THE HALFWAY POINT AND ONLY TRUCK STOP ON THE ICE
ROAD. EIGHT INCHES OF FRESH POWDER HAS
BURIED THE ROAD. >> OKAY, WE'RE GETTING READY TO
HEAD OFF HERE. >> BUT ICE ROAD TRUCKER JACK
JESSEE IS ON A MISSION TO GO SOUTH, EVEN IF IT MEANS HITTING
THE ICE BEFORE THE SNOWPLOWS. >> SO WE'RE GONNA SHOVE OUT, GO
OUT AND GIVE IT A TRY THIS MORNING.
>> HE'S BACKHAULING AN EMPTY TRAILER, BUT THERE'S A HEAVY
HAUL WAITING FOR HIM IN FAIRBANKS WITH A WEIGHTY
PAYCHECK TO GO WITH IT. >> THERE'S ABOUT EIGHT INCHES OF
FRESH SNOW ON THE GROUND, SO WE'LL BE DEALING WITH A LOT OF
ONE-LANE ROADS. GONNA BE HARD TO SEE THE EDGES.
>> JACK'S A PRO AND HAS DRIVEN IN CONDITIONS FAR WORSE THAN
THIS, BUT RIGHT BEHIND HIM IS YOUNG GUN LISA KELLY.
>> YOU HAVING FUN YET? >> I'M HAVING A BLAST.
ARE YOU? >> [chuckles] YEAH.
>> SHE'S HAULING TWO STACKED EMPTY TRAILERS AND IS EAGER TO
GET HER NEXT BIG LOAD. >> I SAW JACK THIS MORNING AT
THE BREAKFAST TABLE. I'M LIKE, "JACK, WHICH WAY ARE
YOU GOING?" "SOUTH."
"I'M GOING WITH YOU." >> YEAH, LISA WANTED TO FOLLOW
ME ON THIS ON THE WAY HOME. AND SAFETY IN NUMBERS.
ACTUALLY, IT'S A REAY GOOD THING.
>> THIS IS ONLY LISA'S SECOND SEASON ON THE DALTON.
SHE'S ALREADY DELIVERED HER FIRST HEAVY HAUL AND MADE IT
THROUGH A BLINDING WHITEOUT OVER ATIGUN PASS.
>> I ALREADY CAN'T HARDLY SEE AND I'M BARELY MOVING HERE.
>> BUT SHE'S NEVER DRIVEN THROUGH SNOWDRIFTS LIKE THIS...
WHERE YOU CAN'T SEE THE EDGE OF THE ROAD AND COULD DRIVE OFF AT
ANY MOMENT. >> I WASN'T BRAVE TO DO IT BY
MYSELF. JACK'S THE ONE IN FRONT.
HE'S OUR FEARLESS LEADER. >> ANY NEW DRIVER, WE DON'T SEND
THEM OUT HERE TO CUT THEIR OWN THROATS, YOU KNOW?
WE TRY TO GIVE ADVICE WHEN NEEDED AND THEY TRY TO STICK HER
WITH EXPERIENCED DRIVERS. >> I JUST WANT TO GO TO
FAIRBANKS. JUST WANT TO GET TO FAIRBANKS.
FAIRBANKS. AND I'M NOT GUARANTEEING I WON'T
GO IN THE DITCH. [chuckles]
>> IN THE EIGHT YEARS I'VE BEEN UP HERE, THIS IS PROBABLY SO FAR
THE WORST START OF THE WINTER. SO FAR THIS WINTER'S BEEN PRETTY
INTENSE. >> RIGHT NOW THE SNOW IS WHAT
THE PROBLEM IS. I STILL JUST CAN'T SEE THE ROAD
THOUGH. BETWEEN--BETWEEN THESE TWO BERMS
SOMEWHERE. >> AS LISA STRAINS TO SEE THE
ROAD, SHE SLOWS DOWN, AND THEN LOSES SIGHT OF JACK.
>> I CAN KIND OF SEE JACK'S TRACKS IN FRONT OF ME.
THAT'S IT. LOOKS LIKE ONE LANE.
>> AFTER ALL THE EFFORT TO TEAM UP, LISA NOW FINDS HERSELF ALL
ALONE. 100 MILES FROM DEADHORSE AT A
PLACE CALLED SLOPE MOUNTAIN, LAST NIGHT'S STORM NEARLY PROVED
FATAL. A TRUCK TRAVELING AT 50 MILES
PER HOUR WITH A FULL LOAD OF DRILL PIPE CAUGHT THE EDGE OF
THE ROAD. THE RIG FLIPPED OVER TWICE AND
ROLLED DOWN THE ICY EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER WAS THROWN 100 FEET
FROM THE CAB INTO THE FROZEN TUNDRA.
HE MANAGED TO DRAG HIMSELF UP ONTO THE ROAD WHERE ICE ROAD
TRUCKER RICHARD MERRILL WAS THE FIRST TO SPOT HIM.
>> JUST GLAD HE HAD A FLASHLIGHT IN HIS HAND.
'CAUSE IT WAS SNOWING, IT WAS DARK, YOU COULDN'T SEE NOTHING.
AND WHEN YOU'RE COMING ON A HILL LIKE THIS, YOU'RE NOT IN
THE LEFT LANE. YOU'RE ON YOUR SIDE OF THE ROAD
BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT'S COMING AT YOU.
AND HE WAS LAYING RIGHT HERE. I'D RUN HIM OVER.
I JUST GOT HIM UP OFF THE GROUND AND LOAD HIM UP IN THE TRUCK AND
TRIED TO COMFORT HIM AND GET HIM TO PUMP THREE.
SO I KNEW HE WAS HURTING >> WITH THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
MORE THAN 400 MILES AWAY, RICHARD DROVE THE INJURED
TRUCKER TO A PIPELINE SERVICE UNIT.
FROM THERE HE WAS MEDEVACED TO ANCHORAGE.
>> LOOKS PRETTY VIOLENT. MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH.
I BET YOU HE COME RIGHT OUT THAT WINDOW.
THAT MAKES ME SICK. I CAN'T EVEN...
LOOK AT IT ANYMORE. >> EVEN VETERANS NEVER GET USED
TO THE DEADLY FORCES OF THIS ROAD.
SOUTHBOUND ON THE ICE, LISA KELLY IS ALONE PUSHING
THROUGH EIGHT INCHES OF DEEP SNOW.
>> I THINK HE'S UP THERE. >> FINALLY, SHE SPOTS JACK'S
TAILLIGHTS. >> I THINK SO.
OUR RADIOS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THAT IS OUR LIFELINE.
BECAUSE WE DON'T GET PHONE SERVICE.
WE DON'T GET ANYTHING. AND THE RADIOS ARE HOW THE
TRUCKERS TELL OTHER TRUCKERS THAT THE ROAD'S GOOD OR NOT GOOD
OR SOMEBODY'S COMING AND, "SOMEBODY SPUN OUT.
DON'T COME OVER THE HILL AND KILL US."
>> OKAY, I JUST MET THE ONE-WAY. COMING BACK AT YOU.
>> IT'S COMING NORTH? >> SNOWPLOWS ARE NOW ON THE
MOVE, RACING TO OPEN UP THE ROAD FOR TRUCKERS HEADED NORTH.
>> OH, GOSH. HE'S HAULING.
LOOK AT THE TREES FALLING. THAT'S AWESOME.
>> HEY, LISA? [horn honks]
>> WHAT'S UP, JACK? >> GOT A NORTHBOUND THAT'S
DROPPING INTO THE KOYUKUK THERE. HE JUST CAME FROM THE CHAIN-UP
AREA. SO HOLD UP THERE FOR HIM.
>> ALL RIGHT. >> ON THE ICE, NORTHBOUND TRUCKS
HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. SOUTHBOUNDERS MUST OFTEN PULL
OVER TO ALLOW MORE WIDE LOADS TO PASS SAFELY.
LISA STRAINS TO FIND THE NEXT PULLOUT, BUT THE HEAVY SNOW
BLANKETS THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. >> I CANNOT FALL OFF THE ROAD
HERE. WAIT, IS THIS IT?
>> SHE MISSES IT COMPLETELY. >> I DON'T KNOW HOW I'M GONNA
MOVE OVER HERE. [horn honks]
>> AS THE OTHER TRUCK BARRELS TOWARD HER, SHE TRIES TO SLOW
DOWN. [horn honks]
[indistinct radio chatter] [tires squealing]
>> COMING UP, AN ICE ROAD TRUCKER'S NIGHTMARE...
NO BRAKES AND SLICK ROADS. >> I'M TRYING TO STOP.
I PROMISE. >> OKAY, TEN-FOUR.
>> 150 MILES FROM FAIRBANKS AND HEADED SOUTHBOUND, THE DALTON
ACE, JACK JESSEE, LEADS THE THE LESS EXPERIENCED LISA KELLY
THROUGH EIGHT INCHES OF FRESH SNOW.
[horn honks] >> GOT A NORTHBOUND THAT'S
DROPPING INTO THE KOYUKUK THERE. >> AND IF THAT'S NOT DANGEROUS
ENOUGH, LISA DISCOVERS SHE HAS NO BRAKES...
AS AN 18-WHEELER BARRELS STRAIGHT TOWARDS HER.
>> I'M TRYING TO STOP. I PROMISE.
[horn honks] >> SHE BEARS DOWN ON THE BRAKE
PEDAL WITH ALL HER WEIGHT. [horn honks]
SLOWLY, SHE STARTS TO DECELERATE.
>> GOOD GOSH. THAT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD.
I'M SORRY. I DIDN'T KNOW I WAS AT KOYUKUK
'CAUSE I DIDN'T SEE THE PULLOUT AND THEN I CAN'T STOP, SO.
>> NOT A PROBLEM. >> HEY, ROBBIE, JIM'S COMING ON
THE GUARDRAILS AT THE KOYUKUK RIGHT NOW.
>> JACK JESSEE HAS SEEN IT ALL AND KNOWS THIS MISTAKE WELL.
>> SHE ACTUALLY JUST FORGOT TO DRY HER BRAKES OFF.
>> WHEN DRIVING IN FRESH POWDER, SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATE IN THE
SPACE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PAD AND THE DRUM, RENDERING THE BRAKES
USELESS. TRUCKERS MUST PUMP THE BRAKES
PERIODICALLY TO BUILD UP HEAT AND DRY THEM OUT.
>> IF YOU NEVER TOUCH YOUR BRAKES RIDING THROUGH A LOT OF
LOOSE SNOW LIKE THIS, YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ANY BRAKES.
[horn honks] >> GOOD GOSH.
>> JUST OUTSIDE OF DEADHORSE, THE ROAD HAS BEEN CLEARED AND
HUGH ROWLAND IS SOUTHBOUND. >> LOADED UP, HEADING
SOUTHBOUND. HEADING FOR COLDFOOT FIRST AND
THEN ON INTO FAIRBANKS. >> ON THIS TRIP, HUGH HAULS WHAT
MAY BE THE SMALLEST LOAD OF THE SEASON.
>> THIS HERE IS MY LOAD. THREE POUNDS OF PAPERWORK.
IT SAYS RIGHT HERE, "THREE POUNDS, PAPERWORK."
[laughs] AND I GOT AN EMPTY VAN.
THIS IS ALL THEY GOT TO HAUL BACK.
GET PAID REGARDLESS. >> BUT A BIGGER LOAD WOULD MEAN
A BIGGER PAYCHECK. HUGH'S MISSION IS TO GET BACK TO
FAIRBANKS IN A SINGLE DAY TO PICK UP SOME REAL FREIGHT.
SO FAR, THE POLAR BEAR IS HOLDING HIS OWN ON AMERICA'S
MOST DANGEROUS ROAD. >> BUT IT'S A LOT OF FUN TO
DRIVE, I'LL TELL YOU THAT. NO, I AIN'T A BIT SCARED, NO.
>> HE'S CONFIDENT AS EVER. [horn honks]
BUT STILL REQUIRES THE SUPERVISION OF HAUL ROAD VETERAN
PHIL KROMM. >> WHAT ARE YOU DOING, PHIL?
>> JUST MOTORING ALONG. HOW ABOUT YOU?
>> ABOUT THE SAME. YOU'RE JUST GOING SLOWER
PROBABLY. >> [chuckles] PROBABLY SO.
>> TEN-FOUR. OH, NO, PHIL'S A GOOD GUY.
WE'RE BASICALLY ON THE SAME PAGE WITH EVERYTHING.
I MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT MORE RISK-TAKING THAN PHIL, BUT
PHIL'S BEEN ON THIS ROAD A LOT LONGER THAN I HAVE.
>> HUGH'S ONLY BEEN HERE A FEW WEEKS, YET HE'S ALREADY LIVING
UP TO HIS REPUTATION. >> HE'S GOT KIND OF A PRETTY
COLORFUL PERSONALITY. MAYBE--
MAYBE A LITTLE WILD. >> YEE-HAW!
WHOO-HOO! [laughs]
>> 100 MILES SOUTH OF DEADHORSE, NORTH SLOPE POLICE OFFICER STEVE
LEE IS ON THE SCENE TO INVESTIGATE LAST NIGHT'S CRASH.
>> THIS MAY BE WHERE HE ROLLED THE FIRST TIME.
NOW THE TRUCK ROLLED AND THIS-- ALL THIS DEBRIS RIGHT HERE MAY
BE THE-- WHERE THE FIRST ROLLOVER
OCCURRED. YOU CAN TELL BY LOOKING AT THE
CAB THAT IT'S BEEN ON THE CAB. IT BROKE OFF THE EXHAUST.
>> WHEN THE MASSIVE CAB CAME TO A VIOLENT HALT...
IT EJECTED THE DRIVER ACROSS THE TUNDRA.
>> THIS IS WHERE HE WENT DOWN IN THE SNOW.
THIS IS WHERE HE ENDED UP. AND I'D SAY IT'S PROBABLY ABOUT
25 FEET FROM THE TRUCK. LET'S GO UP AND LOOK INSIDE.
WELL, HERE'S HIS OTHER SHOE. SOMETHING HERE.
LET'S SEE. OH, A BIBLE.
I GUESS THOSE ARE GOOD THINGS TO CARRY WITH YOU.
>> FORTUNATELY, THE TRUCKER MISSED A HIGH-PRESSURE GAS LINE
BY MERE INCHES. >> HE'S LUCKY, YOU KNOW?
IF HE'D HAVE ROLLED AND IT WOULD HAVE DUG UP THE--THE PIPELINE
HERE, WE COULD HAVE HAD A NATURAL GAS EXPLOSION.
AND THE GUY THAT WAS DRIVING MOST LIKELY WOULD NOT BE AROUND.
WHEN THEY MOVE THIS THING OUT, WE'RE GONNA HAVE TO BE AWFUL
CAREFUL. >> 250 MILES SOUTH IN
COLDFOOT... >> I COULD USE A NICE NECK
MASSAGE RIGHT NOW. >> ALEX DEBOGORSKI IS JUST
GETTING STARTED ON THE DAY. >> I HAD A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP,
SO I'M HEADING FOR PRUDHOE BAY NOW AND DO MOST OF OUR DRIVING
IN THE DAYTIME. >> HE'S STILL HEADED NORTH TO
COMPLETE HIS SECOND TRIP. YESTERDAY, A BROKEN TRAILER
SPRING PUT HIM HALF A RUN BEHIND HUGH IN THE DASH FOR THE CASH.
>> WELL, I'VE ALWAYS--I'VE ALWAYS GOT A FEW MORE LOADS THAN
ALEX. HE, UH, HE GETS OUT THERE PRETTY
HARD, BUT I KNOW HE'S STARTING TO SLOW DOWN HERE A LITTLE BIT.
[chuckles] >> ALEX IS HAULING A STACKED
LOAD OF DRILL PIPE BOUND FOR THE OIL FIELDS.
HE'S TRAVELING WITH DALTON VETERAN JACK MCCANN, WHO CARRIES
A FLEET OF PICKUP TRUCKS. >> ALEX, YOU GOT A COPY BACK
THERE? ALL RIGHT, BY GOLLY.
>> THEY CONVOY TOWARDS THE SHELF, A TREACHEROUS INCLINE CUT
INTO THE MOUNTAINSIDE. ONE WRONG MOVE HERE AND IT'S
SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET TO THE BOTTOM.
>> WE'RE JUST APPROACHING... THE SHELF AND I THINK WE'RE
GONNA BE CHAINING UP BECAUSE THEY HAD THE FRESH SNOW.
THE NIGHT BEFORE THEY HAD SOMEBODY BLOCKING THE ROAD
BECAUSE THEY SPUN OUT. >> TIRE CHAINS ON THIS STRETCH
ARE ESSENTIAL. >> SO WE'RE GONNA HAVE THE
CHAINING EXPERIENCE. WE'RE GONNA BE ON THE CHAIN
GANG. A GOOD TIME WILL BE HAD BY ALL.
[air brake releases] >> IT'S A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR
ALEX, SINCE CHAINS ARE NOT USED ON THE CANADIAN ICE ROADS.
>> PRETTY HARD TO DO THAT WHEN YOU'RE HUFFING AND PUFFING.
ALL RIGHT. WE'RE JUST GONNA ROLL THIS AHEAD
AND SEE IF WE CAN HOOK THEM UP. HOW'S THAT LOOK?
DOES THAT LOOK OKAY OVER THERE? NEXT I'LL BE EMBARRASSING MYSELF
AND MY CHAINING CAPABILITIES HERE.
THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE EASY ONE.
[grunts] HOW'S THAT LOOK, JACK?
>> THAT LOOKS GOOD. >> IS THE OTHER ONE OKAY TOO?
>> YEAH, I GOT IT. OKAY.
>> ALEX BEGINS THE GREAT ASCENT. >> WELL, WE'RE NORTHBOUND UP THE
SHELF, WHICH IS THE LAST CHALLENGE BEFORE ATIGUN PASS.
STAY OVER ON MY SIDE OF THE ROAD JUST IN CASE I SPIN OUT AND THEN
IF I DO, THEN THERE'LL BE ROOM FOR EVERYBODY TO DRIVE UP AND
DOWN AND LAUGH AT ME. [laughs]
>> THE GOAL: PICK THE RIGHT GEAR THAT WILL GET HIM TO THE TOP,
BECAUSE DOWNSHIFTING IN THE MIDDLE COULD END IN DISASTER.
>> I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT GEAR I NEED TO GO UP ON THIS ONE.
I GUESS WE'RE GONNA FIND OUT REALLY QUICK.
>> ALEX HITS A GEAR THAT'S TOO HIGH...
AND DOESN'T GIVE HIM ENOUGH TRACTION.
HE QUICKLY DOWNSHIFTS. >> JUST GET DOWN THIS HOLE HERE
AND STAY HERE. >> BUT MISTAKENLY DROPS TWO
WHOLE GEARS. >> THAT WAS NOT MY PLAN THERE.
>> THE TRUCK SLOWS TO A FRIGHTENING CRAWL.
AND THEN COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP.
THIS IS THE LAST PLACE AN ICE ROAD TRUCKER WANTS TO BE.
GETTING STARTED AGAIN ON THIS HILL COULD SEND ALEX SLIDING
BACKWARDS DOWN THE MOUNTAINSIDE. >> OH, LORD, LORD.
WHAT DID I GET MYSELF IN FOR? >> 60 MILES NORTH OF COLDFOOT,
ALEX DEBOGORSKI MISSED A GEAR AND IS NOW STOPPED DEAD IN HIS
TRACKS ON THE ICY SLOPE KNOWN AS THE SHELF.
GETTING GOING AGAIN MEANS FIGHTING THE FORCE OF GRAVITY.
ONE SLIP ON THE ICE COULD SEND ALEX SLIDING BACKWARDS TO THE
BOTTOM. HE EASES INTO FIRST GEAR.
THE TIRES HOLD. HE PUSHES INTO SECOND.
>> GOING IN A PRETTY LOW GEAR HERE.
I'M IN SECOND GEAR, SO I'M PUTTING A LOT OF POWER TO THE
ROAD, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW, NOT REAL GOOD IF IT'S REALLY
SLIPPERY, 'CAUSE THAT WILL MAKE IT SLIP TOO.
>> AS ALEX CREEPS ALONG, THE ROAD NARROWS.
THE CLIFFS BECOME MORE STEEP. >> OVER THERE, 500 TO 1,000 FEET
DOWN. SO WHAT MAKES IT TREACHEROUS IS
IF A GUY SPINS OUT, THE CONCERN IS--SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOING
BACKWARDS DOWN THESE HILLS AND A LOT OF TRUCKS HAVE BEEN LOST
BY GOING BACKWARDS DOWN THE HILL AND THEN OVER THE GUARDRAIL.
IF A PERSON GOES OVER THAT EDGE, LOSE THEIR TRUCK AND LOSE THE
DRIVER TOO. >> HIS TIRES BARELY GRIPPING THE
ICE, ALEX ROUNDS THE TOP OF THE SHELF.
>> LOOK AT THAT. WE MADE IT TO THE TOP.
>> BUT HE STILL HAS 75 MILES OF TREACHEROUS TERRAIN TO GO.
>> I ENDED UP HAVING TO START OVER.
I GET TO START OVER ON THE SHELF NOW.
ADD THAT TO THE LIST. >> 127 MILES FROM FAIRBANKS,
JACK AND LISA ARE RACING BACK TO GET THEIR NEXT LOADS.
AND THE NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC IS OUT IN FORCE TRYING TO MAKE UP
FOR LOST TIME. >> BIG ONE'S COMING UP FAST.
[horns honking] >> YOU WANT TO MOVE OVER AT ALL?
GUESS NOT. >> WITH INCREASED SPEED COMES AN
INCREASED RISK OF GOING INTO THE DITCH.
>> TWO KINDS OF DRIVERS ON THE ROAD.
ONES THAT HAVE BEEN IN A DITCH AND THE ONES THAT ARE GONNA GO
IN A DITCH. BUT THE FUNNY PART IS THAT THE
ONES THAT ACTUALLY SAY THAT HAVE USUALLY ALREADY BEEN IN THE
DITCH. UM, I CAN SAY THAT.
>> AS WORD OF THE ROAD'S MOST RECENT CRASH SPREADS ALONG THE
DALTON, IT'S A GRIM REMINDER OF JUST HOW MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN
LOST. >> RIGHT HERE'S WHERE JOHN DIED.
HE WAS HEADING NORTH AND JUST... GOT CLOSE.
JUST KIND OF ROLLED OVER. WASN'T A PRETTY SIGHT THOUGH
KIND OF MESSED THE GUYS UP THAT SHOWED UP ON THE SCENE FIRST.
>> MORE THAN 35 STEEL WHITE CROSSES HONOR THE DEAD ON THE
SIDE OF THE HAUL ROAD. >> NONE OF THIS--NONE OF THIS
FREIGHT WE'RE MOVING IS WORTH ANYBODY'S LIFE.
>> 100 MILES SOUTH OF DEADHORSE, A BIG RIG WENT OFF THE ROAD AND
FLIPPED OVER TWICE. RECOVERY SPECIALIST BEN
KRAKOWSKI RACES TO THE SCENE TO RETRIEVE THE TRUCK AND ITS LOAD
OF DRILL PIPE. THE 42 PIECES OF PIPE ARE WORTH
HALF A MILLION DOLLARS. BEN HAS TO WORK QUICKLY TO
PREVENT A LOG JAM OF TRUCKS FROM BACKING UP ON THE ICE.
>> OH, THE PRESSURE'S ON ME. YOU DON'T WANT TO KEEP THEM GUYS
TIED UP. YOU DO WHAT YOU GOT TO DO, BUT
YOU DO IT KIND OF QUICK SO THEY CAN GET GOING.
YOU OPEN IT UP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN SO THEY CAN GET THROUGH.
>> HIS PLAN: PULL THE CAB OUT FIRST, THEN RECOVER THE PIPE.
HE BEGINS BY HOOKING TWO HEAVY-DUTY STEEL CABLES TO THE
FRONT OF THE TRUCK. >> THESE INNER BRACKETS INSIDE
HERE ARE BOLTED DIRECTLY TO THE FRAME.
SO WE GOT SOMETHING SOLID WE CAN REALLY PULL ON.
'CAUSE WE'RE GONNA DO SOME HEAVY PULLING HERE.
>> THE CABLES ARE CONNECTED TO TWO HIGH-POWERED WENCHES ON THE
TOW TRUCK. SLOWLY, THE CAB INCHES UP THE
SNOW BANK. >> OKAY!
SO WE GOT THE TRACTOR UP ON A ROLLER.
WE'LL BRING THE TRAILER UP OUT OF THERE.
BOY, THERE IS A PILE OF SNOW DOWN HERE, ISN'T THERE?
>> YEAH, THERE IS. >> BEN AND HIS TEAM ATTACH TWO
CABLES TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRAILER.
>> DON'T GET NO GREASE ON MY [bleep] DAMN [bleep] NOW.
>> GETTING ON MY GLOVES. >> THAT'S OKAY.
THE LANDING GEAR, JUST WATCH IT IN CASE IT DIGS IN.
IT SHOULD SLIDE OVER THE TOP. YEAH, JUST STAND SOMEWHERE AND
HOLLER IF IT DON'T LOOK RIGHT. >> THEY MANAGE TO DRAG THE
TRAILER TO THE TOP OF THE INCLINE...
>> OH, CRAP. >> BUT THEY CAN'T GET ENOUGH
LEVERAGE TO DRAG IT ONTO THE ROAD.
BEN NOW HAS TO IMPROVISE, AND HE HAS NO TIME TO WASTE.
>> GET THAT LOADER. JUST TIE IT UP ACROSS THIS WAY
HERE AND ALL HE'S GONNA DO IS HOLD ON TO THAT FRONT END.
>> OKAY. >> HE USES A LOADER TO HELP
STABILIZE THE TRAILER. THEN HE REPOSITIONS THE TOW
TRUCK TO PULL FROM THE BACK END. >> OKAY, HERE WE GO.
>> FINALLY, THE TRAILER MAKES IT BACK ON THE ROAD.
>> RIGHT NOW WE'RE GONNA START HOOKING ON SOME PIPE AND START
DRAGGING THAT UP OUT OF THERE. SEE HOW THAT ALL GOES.
>> WITH THE LAST OF THE DRILL PIPE CLEARED, THE DALTON REOPENS
FOR BUSINESS. >> I KNOW ALL THESE GUYS THAT
ARE DRIVING UP THERE AND I HATE TO SEE THEM WRECK THEIR TRUCKS.
BUT IF THE TRAFFIC KEEPS GOING LIKE IT IS AND THEY DON'T SLOW
DOWN, I WILL BE BUSY. >> 40 MILES SOUTH OF DEADHORSE
IS THE AREA KNOWN AS THE BLUFFS, A WINDY EXPANSE OF BARREN TUNDRA
STRETCHING FROM THE BROOKS RANGE TO THE ARCTIC OCEAN.
HUGH ROWLAND IS SOUTHBOUND DOING BATTLE TO STAY ON THE ROAD.
>> IT'S GOT WIND ON IT. SHINE THE GRADE UP.
YOU CAN SKATE ON IT TODAY. >> AND WITH HUGH'S CAB SHACKLED
TO AN EMPTY VAN, HE'S GETTING TOSSED ALL OVER THE ROAD.
>> IT'S WAY BETTER TO HAVE A LOAD IN YOUR VAN OR A LOAD ON
THE BACK OF YOUR TRUCK THAN HAVING AN EMPTY VAN.
IT JUST SLIDES ALL OVER THE PLACE, SO YOU GOT TO KEEP ON
YOUR TOES. >> THERE'S QUITE A BIT MORE SNOW
IN THE ROAD. BEEN--BEEN BREEZY ALL NIGHT.
SO MOST OF THE DRIFTS ARE CLEAR ACROSS THE ROAD, YOU KNOW?
GOT TO DRIVE THROUGH THEM. >> WE GOT SNOW ALL OVER.
IN SNOW DUST, YOU CAN'T SEE. >> SUDDENLY, THE WINDS CHURN UP
THE SNOW INTO A BLINDING WHITEOUT.
>> I KNOW WE CAN'T STOP ON THE ICE HERE.
SHE'S PRETTY--PRETTY SLICK. >> 50 MILES FROM DEADHORSE,
HUGH ROWLAND IS SOUTHBOUND. BLOWING SNOW MAKES THE ROAD
NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. >> WHOO-HOO.
THAT WIND GOT COLD RIGHT THERE. KEEP OUR WITS ABOUT HER TODAY.
>> FORTUNATELY, HE'S GOT 23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DRIVING ON
ICE. >> I DON'T USE MY BRAKES ON THE
ICE. PRETTY MUCH STICK TO THE GEARS.
>> ON THE ICE, BRAKES CAN CAUSE A DEADLY SKID.
>> AND IF SOMETHING HAPPENS, THE TRUCK BREAKS LOOSE, YOU'RE
ALREADY OUT OF CONTROL. >> GEARING DOWN REDUCES THE
TRUCK'S SPEED, BUT STILL KEEPS POWER TO THE DRIVE AXELS.
>> GEAR DOWN AND GEAR UP. AWAY YOU GO.
>> AS HUGH APPROACHES THE STEEP MOUNTAINS OF THE BROOKS RANGE,
HE LEAVES THE DESTRUCTIVE WINDS BEHIND.
>> LOAD'S DOING OKAY. IT AIN'T FELL ON THE FLOOR AND
GOT ALL DIRTY YET. [chuckles]
AND THE TRAILER'S TAGGING ALONG BEHIND, SO WE'RE DOING GOOD.
>> BUT HE STILL HAS 300 MILES OF EXTREME TERRAIN TO GO.
STILL TRAILING HUGH IS ALEX DEBOGORSKI.
HE'S ONLY JUST NOW PULLING INTO DEADHORSE, COMPLETING HIS THIRD
TRIP UP THE ICE. >> I GUESS IF YOU LOOK AT THE
MAP AND THEN GO THE NORTHERNMOST PART OF ALASKA AND YOU'LL FIND
RIGHT THERE ON THE SEASHORE PRUDHOE BAY, AND THAT'S WHERE WE
ARE. >> ALEX'S PLAN IS TO TURN AND
BURN TO CATCH UP WITH HUGH. >> THAT'S FANTASTIC.
>> BUT WHEN HE ARRIVES AT THE CARLILE YARD, HE DISCOVERS A BIG
PROBLEM. ALEX CAN'T CATCH A BREAK.
YESTERDAY, HE HAD A BROKEN TRAILER SPRING.
NOW THIS. >> MY LEFT FRONT OUTSIDE TIRE IS
FLAT. CAME OFF THE BEAM.
MUST HAVE JUST HAPPENED BECAUSE IT'S NOT FULL OF SNOW.
THAT THING LOOKS PRETTY FRESH. MAYBE YOU GUYS WILL BE ABLE TO
SAVE IT. SEE IF ONE OF THESE GUYS HAD ONE
OF THEM THINGS THAT BLOWS THE AIR IN THERE, YOU KNOW WHAT I
MEAN? >> ALEX MUST WAIT FOR A REPAIR,
PUTTING HIM EVEN FURTHER BEHIND IN THE DASH FOR THE CASH.
>> IT WAS ANOTHER DELAY. I DIDN'T WANT IT, BUT THAT'S
WHAT I GOT. DON'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT.
[chuckles] I THINK THEY WROTE A SONG ABOUT
THAT ONCE. [laughs]
>> DEADHORSE, ALASKA SITS AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE DALTON.
THE DISCOVERY OF THE PRUDHOE BAY OIL FIELD IN 1968 PUT DEADHORSE
ON THE MAP, AND IT NOW SERVES AS A COMPANY TOWN, HOUSING OIL
FIELD WORKERS. IT HAS A GENERAL STORE, A POST
OFFICE, AND EVEN AN AIRPORT. BUT ALCOHOL IS FORBIDDEN,
LEADING TO THE UNOFFICIAL TOWN MOTTO, "ALL THAT FAR AND STILL
NO BAR." TURNS OUT THE NAME DEADHORSE IS
NOT AS LITERAL AS IT SEEMS. >> IT'S GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH
THE HORSES ACTUALLY BEING DEAD UP THERE ON THE ICE ON THAT END,
BECAUSE THERE WEREN'T ANY HORSES UP THERE.
BUT BY THE TIME YOU GOT THERE, YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAVE BEEN A
DEAD HORSE. SO, I MEAN, I GUESS IT'S THE
PERFECT NAME TO BE AT THE END OF THE DALTON HIGHWAY, THAT'S FOR
SURE. >> 125 MILES FROM FAIRBANKS,
HUGH ROWLAND IS SOUTHBOUND CHARGING THROUGH EVERY CHALLENGE
ON THIS ROAD. [horn honks]
>> OH, THE ROAD CHALLENGES ME EVERY DAY, COMING UP AND DOWN
THEM HILLS AND AROUND THE CORNERS.
[horn honks] YEAH, IF YOU AREN'T AFRAID OF
THE DITCH THEN YOU'D BE [bleep] DEAD.
[laughs] I GUESS THAT'S THE CHALLENGE.
>> NOW, A NEW OBSTACLE. >> OOH!
SEEN THAT ONE. >> ARCTIC SPEED BUMPS KNOWN AS
FROST HEAVES. >> A FROST HEAVE IS PERMAFROST
IN THE EARTH. AND IT MOVES IN THE SPRING AND
IN THE WINTER. >> ALASKA'S EXTREME SUB-ZERO
TEMPERATURES CAUSE THE EARTH TO BUCKLE UNDER THE ICE, MAKING THE
ROAD EVEN MORE DANGEROUS. >> A FROST HEAVE WILL MAKE A
BUMP OR A DIP IN THE ROAD. THAT'S WHAT--THAT'S WHAT IT
DOES. IT'S EITHER BUMPS OR DIPS.
ONE OF THE TWO. WELL, YOUR TRUCK GETS TO
BUCKING... AND IT'S NOT A COMFORTABLE
FEELING. [laughs]
PROBABLY BUCK YOU RIGHT OUT OF THE SEAT JUST LIKE BEING IN A
RODEO. WHOO-HOO!
OH, HELL. OH, BOY, SHE'S FROSTED RIGHT IN
HERE. LOOKS LIKE A [bleep] COUNTRY
FAIR. ROLLER COASTER RIDE.
YEE-HAW! >> AFTER DRIVING THROUGH
SNOWDRIFTS ALL DAY, JACK JESSEE AND LISA KELLY FINALLY APPROACH
FAIRBANKS. >> YOU'RE GOOD FOR FIVE, LISA.
KEEP ON TRUCKING. >> TEN-FOUR.
>> THIS WAS A TOUGH BACKHAUL, BUT A GOOD RUN FOR AN ICE ROAD
TRUCKER. >> BUT I DO THIS PARTICULAR JOB
BECAUSE I LOVE IT. I LIKE JOBS THAT YOU CAN BE
PROUD OF WHEN YOU'RE DONE. >> THEY PULL INTO THE CARLILE
YARD. [air brake releases]
BUT THERE'S NO REST FOR JACK. HE'S READY TO TURN AND BURN WITH
ANOTHER LOAD. >> DO MORE TRIPS, YOU GET MORE
CASH. I'M OUT THERE FOR MYSELF TO MAKE
MONEY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THAT'S WHAT I'M OUT THERE FOR.
>> LISA IS TAKING A FEW HOURS OFF IN HER HOME AWAY FROM HOME.
>> WELCOME TO MY TRUCK. [chuckles]
GEEZ, IT'S WHERE I LIVE MOST OF THE TIME NOW.
THIS THING'S PACKED. WONDERFUL CRAFTSMAN TOOLS.
I GOT TONS OF WRENCHES. OUR SCREWDRIVER FOR SPREADING
PRONGS ON THE LIGHT THING. AND THEN I GOT THESE RATCHETING
CRESCENT WRENCHES OR WHATEVER THEY ARE.
RATCHETING WRENCHES. AND HERE'S ALL MY CLAMPS AND
STUFF AND AIR HOSE FITTINGS. I'M AN OVERSIZE.
[chuckles] SO NOW FOR THE INSIDE.
COME ON IN. MY HOUSE IS BACK HERE.
>> SURPRISINGLY, THE SLEEPER CAB HAS ROOM FOR MOST OF THE
NECESSARY COMFORTS. >> I GOT MY REFRIGERATOR HERE.
I HAVE ALL MY CLOTHES IN MY GEAR BAG RIGHT HERE.
THEY'RE ALL ORGANIZED. GOT A COUPLE MOVIES.
NOT VERY MANY. AND MY LITTLE DVD PLAYER WHEN
AND IF I EVER HAVE TIME. THEN I GOT MY FOOD.
GOT IT ALL ORGANIZED TOO. WATCHING MY CALORIES.
I DON'T WANT NO TRUCKER PHYSIQUE.
THAT'S ABOUT THE EXTENT OF IT, I THINK.
THIS IS MY HOUSE ON WHEELS. SO WORKS FOR ME.
[chuckles] >> COMING UP, A SURPRISE
ENCOUNTER IN THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS.
>> THERE HE GOES RIGHT NOW. >> AT THE END OF THE ROAD IN
DEADHORSE... [machine whirring]
ALEX DEBOGORSKI'S TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP.
>> GOT A FLAT TIRE. IT CAME RIGHT OFF THE RIM.
AND TIRE MAN, HE'S GONNA SEE IF HE CAN FIND THE HOLE AND FIX IT.
WELL, WE'VE HAD NUMEROUS DELAYS THIS TRIP.
THIS IS JUST ANOTHER ONE. >> CARLILE USES SEVERE SERVICE
DUTY TIRES FOR DRIVING ON THE ICE.
ON AVERAGE, THEY ONLY LAST SIX MONTHS.
AND AT 400 BUCKS APIECE, IT'S WORTH THE TIME TO PATCH THEM.
>> ALL RIGHT, I'M GONNA DUNK THE TIRE TO FIND THE LEAK.
>> A PRETTY GOOD HOLE ACTUALLY. IT'S FUNNY IT MADE IT THIS FAR.
>> THE MECHANIC MENDS THE HOLE WITH A FILLER PLUG AND
REINFORCED RUBBER PATCH. [air hissing]
>> GREAT, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU.
>> YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY. >> GOOD TO GO, ALEX HEADS FOR
HIS LOAD. HE'S BACKHAULING AN EMPTY VAN
TRAILER. >> THEY WANT VANS BACK IN
FAIRBANKS. >> AND IN THE FREEZING COLD THAT
PRUDHOE BAY IS FAMOUS FOR... >> OOH!
HOLY MACKEREL. THAT'S SOMETHING SNAPPY ON THE
FACE. >> HE HEADS SOUTH FOR ANOTHER
CRACK AT THE DALTON... AND TO CATCH UP WITH THE
COMPETITION. >> [sighs]
GOODNESS GRIEF. WHAT NEXT?
WE'RE WAITING WITH BATED BREATH TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT SITUATION
IS GOING TO BE. [chuckles]
>> AS NIGHT FALLS AND THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BEGIN TO
DANCE... >> SO HERE'S THE DEAL.
WE'RE ON A LITTLE BIT OF A CRUNCH TO GET THIS THING GOING.
THAT'S WHY WE HAD TO LEAVE TONIGHT.
>> JACK JESSEE PREPS FOR HIS NEXT RUN.
A COLOSSAL PIPE RACK 17 FEET TALL, 16 FEET WIDE.
IT'S USED TO CONNECT THE OIL WELLS TO THE TRANS-ALASKAN
PIPELINE. >> WELL, THE CHALLENGE FOR THIS
LOAD IS THAT, YOU KNOW, IT'S SO HIGH UP THAT YOU GOT TO GO
SLOWER SO IT DOESN'T JUST FLOP IT OVER ON ITS SIDE.
EVERYTHING LOOK GOOD BACK THERE, MARK?
>> YEAH, SO FAR, SO GOOD. >> TONIGHT'S FIRST CHALLENGE:
TO GET OUT OF FAIRBANKS WITHOUT KNOCKING DOWN TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
>> SO I KNOW I'M LOWER THAN THE STOPLIGHTS, BUT I STILL HAVE TO
GO REALLY SLOW SO I CAN KEEP THE BOUNCING DOWN.
THAT WAY I DON'T ACTUALLY BOUNCE UP AND ACTUALLY HIT A STOPLIGHT.
MARK, CAN YOU GET ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ME AND MAKE SURE THAT
RIGHT SIDE'S GONNA CLEAR THIS FINE?
OKAY. RIGHT SIDE CLEAR?
>> RIGHT SIDE'S CLEAR. >> LIGHT AFTER LIGHT, JACK
CRAWLS HIS WAY OUT OF TOWN. >> IT'S CLEAR.
>> JUST GETTING OUT OF TOWN CAN BE ITS OWN SPECIAL CHALLENGE.
WE GOT THAT ONE LICKED ALREADY. >> 75 MILES UP THE ROAD...
THE PAVEMENT DROPS OFF AND THE ICE ROAD BEGINS.
AS JACK HEADS FURTHER INTO THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS, ANOTHER
HAZARD OF THE HAUL ROAD EMERGES. >> A COUPLE TRUCKS HAD SAID
EARLIER TODAY THAT A LOT OF MOOSE OUT THIS EVENING, SO.
AT NIGHTTIME THEY'RE REALLY HARD TO SEE.
THE BLACK AND THE BROWN ON THEM. THEY'RE REALLY HARD TO SEE AT
NIGHT UNTIL THEY JUMP OUT RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU.
AND HITTING A MOOSE IS JUST LIKE HITTING A BRICK WALL, YOU KNOW?
IT'S JUST GONNA TEAR YOUR TRUCK ALL TO PIECES.
GOING DOWN THAT HILL AFTER 48 NOW.
HEADS UP FOR THE MOOSE THERE. >> UP AHEAD, JACK'S PILOT CAR
SPOTS A DEAD ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
>> YEAH, WE JUST DROVE BY THE DEAD MOOSE.
IT WAS MORE OR LESS BLOCKING THE SOUTHBOUND LANE THERE.
>> JACK ASKS THE DRIVER TO DO SOME DAMAGE CONTROL.
>> SEE IF YOU CAN-- SEE IF YOU CAN DO SOMETHING WITH
IT. >> AN ALASKAN MOOSE CAN WEIGH
UP TO 1,500 POUNDS. PULLING THIS ANIMAL OFF THE ROAD
COULD SAVE A TRUCKER'S LIFE. >> I'VE LIVED IN ALASKA FOR...
39 YEARS NOW. IT'S THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER
TIED OFF TO A MOOSE AND TRIED TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD.
GUESS THERE'S A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING, AIN'T THERE?
>> I'M SURE SOMEBODY GOING INTO TOWN WHEN THEIR CELL PHONES
START WORKING WILL-- THEY'LL CALL SOMEBODY TO COME
OUT AND SALVAGE IT THERE. WE--WE DON'T LET THAT KIND OF
MEAT GO TO WASTE. >> UP THE ROAD, THERE'S ANOTHER
MOOSE SIGHTING. >> OKEYDOKEY.
MOOSE, RIGHT SIDE. >> THIS TIME, IT'S ON THE MOVE.
JACK SCANS THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SLAMMING INTO A 1,500-POUND
ANIMAL COULD END BOTH THEIR LIVES.
>> UH, HOPE I DID SEE IT. >> SUDDENLY, WITHOUT ANY
WARNING... >> THERE HE GOES RIGHT NOW.
THE PILOT CAR REALLY SAVED MY SKIN ON THIS ONE.
WELL, I MEAN, IF I HAD HIT THAT MOOSE, FOR ONE, I WOULD HAVE
KILLED THE MOOSE AND THAT WOULDA BEEN A BAD THING.
BUT IT WOULD HAVE KILLED THE TRUCK TOO.
THAT'S ONE OF THE MANY HAZARDS OF THE DALTON HIGHWAY.
>> AFTER A MONTH OF TRUCKING, JACK JESSEE IS IN THE LEAD WITH
EIGHT LOADS. AND EVEN WITH A LATE START, ALEX
DEBOGORSKI HAS OVERCOME MANY CHALLENGES TO COMPLETE HIS FIRST
RUN ON AMERICAN ICE. >> I'M NOT DONE CONQUERING THE
ROAD. CONQUERING THE DALTON HIGHWAY IS
AN ONGOING PROCESS. YOU KNOW, BUT THERE ARE GIRLS
DRIVING ON IT, SO I THINK MAYBE I'LL BE ABLE TO.
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