I say if I took my 98 Neon w/o anti-lock brakes up to 35 mph and slammed on the brakes it would only skid 25 feet or so. A resonable speed there would be 25 mph or less and the skid marks would have been 10-15 feet. His skid marks go 35 feet or more and then still impact at a good rate of speed, probably 10-15 mph. He was either going a good 45-50 or his braking system was not functioning properly. That gate would be treated like a one lane bridge, first come first across and you should actually stop before crossing. He had no intention of stopping. I'd say you were right and he was going to drift that turn.
