When someone is driving a big rig, semi-truck, trailer, boat, or another attachable fixture on the back of a vehicle, it presents the threat of a jackknife accident. This is when the cab of the truck or car begins to skid. This causes the trailer to swing forward and form a 90 degree angle with the cab. At this awkward angle, the vehicle spans multiple lanes, and can wipe out other cars that are sharing the road. Jackknife accidents can be catastrophic, and cause death and sever injury.
Normally, jackknifing occurs when the truck’s rear axle becomes locked. Then the truck begins skidding, and it will turn to one side as the driver attempts to steer out of the disaster. In order to prevent the possibility of a jackknife accident, all truck drivers should install anti-lock brakes on their truck. These can stop the wheel axles from locking when the brakes are applied, which averts jackknifing. All drivers in trucks or towing trailers should be incredibly cautious in bad weather. Whenever it is raining, it makes the roads slippery. This is especially true when it is the first rain of the season and the oils from the asphalt have not yet washed off. When these oils coat the roads, a misapplied brake or driving too fast can create a catastrophe. Icy roads can provide the same level of danger.
Make sure to always apply brakes cautiously whenever you are driving in these hazardous weather conditions. Another way to prevent a jackknife accident is by responding to skidding in the correct way. Many drivers panic when their vehicle starts to slide, and their jerk reactions only create a more dangerous collision. When your vehicle starts to skid, release the brakes and gently steer the vehicle into the direction of the skid. Whenever you are driving with a trailer, try to keep significant distance from other cars. That way if you do jackknife it won’t affect other, smaller cars nearby.
When you are on the highway, check your mirrors for trailer swing frequently, Every time that you break hard, you can check to make sure that your trailer is following properly. The California DMV suggests that you increase your speed if your trailer is not following the cab correctly, in an attempt to right the position. If that doesn’t work, you can try slowing down until the trailer regains traction, and then steer out. Be warned that when your trailer is empty, you have a higher potential to jackknife. The heavier that a trailer is, the more weight is bearing the towable down onto the road. When a trailer is empty, there is less friction which means that the trailer does not have adequate traction.
When a car jackknifes, there are times that it will result in a truck rollover, or a multi-car pileup. Recently in Pennsylvania, a tractor-trailer blew out its front tire, which caused the big rig to head for the guardrail on the highway. The truck jackknifed from the accident, and caused the traffic on the road to come to a standstill. In this case, no injuries were reported, but in many other instances people have been hurt or even died due to a jackknife accident. In Texas, a truck jackknifed during heavy rain last month and hydroplaned into a tree on the roadside. The driver was rushed to the hospital, where he suffered some painful injuries. If you were involved in a jackknifing collision, then you may need a car accident attorney to help. Whether you are the victim of an accident or caused one, you should have adequate representation at your trial.