Jackknifing

This article is about vehicle accidents . For the statistics procedure, see Jackknife (statistics).
How a truck jackknifes

Jackknifing means the folding of an articulated vehicle i.e. one towing a trailer, such that it resembles the acute angle of a folding pocket knife. If a vehicle towing a trailer skids, the trailer can push from behind until it spins around and faces backwards. This may be caused by equipment failure, improper braking, or adverse road conditions such as an icy road surface. In extreme circumstances, a driver may attempt to jackknife the vehicle deliberately in order to halt it following brake failure.

Trailer swing

When a trailer skids to one side, this is known as a trailer swing or trailer slew. This could happen on a slippery road surface, often where there is a cant. This is not the same as "jackknifing" and is not as serious since the trailer moves back into line as the vehicle continues forwards. The driver must be aware, however, that the trailer could slide up against parked cars or a guard rail, or the wheels could slide into a ditch. This situation can occur especially when the trailer is empty or lightly loaded, and weather conditions cause violent gusts of crosswind.

Anti-jackknife devices

See also

References

  1. Brake Pressure Regulator - Patent 3762776
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