Normally, trailers and other loads follow obediently behind a truck or 18-wheeler.
Sometimes, though, a loss of traction or other problems can lead to jackknifing.
This occurs when the trailer rotates around on the hitch to form an acute angle (like a V) with the vehicle that is doing the towing.
This is hazardous not only for the truck driver but also for nearby vehicles.
Thus, it is important to work to avoid jackknife accidents.
The main cause of jackknife accidents is a loss of traction, or friction, between the trailer wheels and the road.
Normally, friction between the wheel and the road allows a tire to grip the pavement in one spot before rolling forward and gripping in another spot.
Because a tire is round, this grip and friction is continuously allowing the object to be propelled smoothly forward.
However, if something causes the tire to lose its grip on the road, it can virtually glide across the pavement like it is glass.
Because there is no friction, the tire cannot get a good grip on the road and control its progress.
Things like icy, wet, or snow-covered roads can all make them slick and difficult to grip, and improper braking can cause your wheels to lock up so that they cannot turn and grip the pavement.
These scenarios can lead to jackknifing.
Fortunately, there are some measures that you can take to avoid jackknifing while hauling a trailer or other heavy load.
Of course, avoiding slick roads is important.
However, you can also watch out for signs of potential jackknifing.
If your trailer is swaying back and forth, this means that the tires are not getting a good grip on the road.
Loading your trailer with heavy objects can help push the tires into the pavement, leading to more friction.
Empty trailers jackknife more often than full loads.
Also, you may feel your trailer begin to jackknife when you are braking or accelerating quickly.
If the brakes are causing you to jackknife, let go so that the tires can resume their rotation and grip.
You can also tap your gas pedal to realign the trailer.
However, if acceleration is the cause, simply let go of the gas pedal.
Lastly, try to avoid locking your brakes, which can lead to locked and slippery tires.
Do not slam on your brakes; instead, practice braking slowly.
Also, slow down before a curve rather than attempting to slow while on the curve.
Sometimes, though, a loss of traction or other problems can lead to jackknifing.
This occurs when the trailer rotates around on the hitch to form an acute angle (like a V) with the vehicle that is doing the towing.
This is hazardous not only for the truck driver but also for nearby vehicles.
Thus, it is important to work to avoid jackknife accidents.
The main cause of jackknife accidents is a loss of traction, or friction, between the trailer wheels and the road.
Normally, friction between the wheel and the road allows a tire to grip the pavement in one spot before rolling forward and gripping in another spot.
Because a tire is round, this grip and friction is continuously allowing the object to be propelled smoothly forward.
However, if something causes the tire to lose its grip on the road, it can virtually glide across the pavement like it is glass.
Because there is no friction, the tire cannot get a good grip on the road and control its progress.
Things like icy, wet, or snow-covered roads can all make them slick and difficult to grip, and improper braking can cause your wheels to lock up so that they cannot turn and grip the pavement.
These scenarios can lead to jackknifing.
Fortunately, there are some measures that you can take to avoid jackknifing while hauling a trailer or other heavy load.
Of course, avoiding slick roads is important.
However, you can also watch out for signs of potential jackknifing.
If your trailer is swaying back and forth, this means that the tires are not getting a good grip on the road.
Loading your trailer with heavy objects can help push the tires into the pavement, leading to more friction.
Empty trailers jackknife more often than full loads.
Also, you may feel your trailer begin to jackknife when you are braking or accelerating quickly.
If the brakes are causing you to jackknife, let go so that the tires can resume their rotation and grip.
You can also tap your gas pedal to realign the trailer.
However, if acceleration is the cause, simply let go of the gas pedal.
Lastly, try to avoid locking your brakes, which can lead to locked and slippery tires.
Do not slam on your brakes; instead, practice braking slowly.
Also, slow down before a curve rather than attempting to slow while on the curve.