How to Avoid Jackknifing

Posted in Car Accidents,Driving Safety,Semi-Truck Accidents on May 25, 2016

If a semi-truck driver loses control of their large rig, it can cause the vehicle to jackknife, or fold into itself. In a jackknifing situation the trailer becomes out of sync and causes the truck to form a V or L shape, creating a dangerous situation for the driver and other people on the road. Luckily, these accidents can be preventable as long as you know how to avoid it.

Preventing jackknifing when driving a semi-truck

Knowing the following safe driving steps can help you prevent your truck from jackknifing:

  • One way to prevent jackknifing on the highway is to check your mirrors frequently to make sure your trailer isn’t swaying.
  • It is also best to check your mirrors for swaying after having to brake hard.
  • If your trailer is already starting to jackknife, let go of the brake to allow the wheel to resume rolling and regain the traction of static friction. An increase in speed may allow the trailer to fall back in line.
  • If your trailer starts jackknifing because of an increase in speed, let up on the gas pedal until the vehicle regains traction and then steer out of it.

Technology that helps prevent jackknifing

 

how to prevent jackknifing when driving a semi truck

Engineers have come up with a few different ways to prevent semi-trucks from jackknifing. Technologies range from adjusting the design of brakes to implementing devices that physically prevent the trailer from veering off too far. Adding anti-lock brakes to the tractor or the trailer can help prevent jackknifing because brake locking is one of the biggest causes. The addition of anti-lock brakes to your vehicle will prevent your brakes from locking up so when you have to slam on your brakes your wheels don’t over brake. These brakes have a sensor on them so when you slam on your brakes you trip the brake sensor into decreasing the brake pressure on the wheels.