Tips for a Stable Rig
Jackknifing is every truck driver’s nightmare. It’s a dangerous situation where a truck’s trailer swings out, forming an angle with the cab—like a folding knife blade. This formation usually happens when the trailer loses traction, causing the driver to lose control. With frequent traffic and unpredictable weather, our I-65 semi recovery operations often involve jackknifed trucks. Always a challenging situation for our tow truck operators. Let’s look at how jackknifing happens, what we can do to prevent it, and how towing companies handle these incidents safely.
How Jackknifing Happens
Jackknifing is triggered when a truck’s cab and trailer lose alignment, meaning the trailer pivots at an extreme angle relative to the cab. In those cases, the truck stops behaving like a single, stable unit, and the trailer swings uncontrollably to one side. This typically results in a dangerous “V” or “L” shape—resembling the folding action of a pocketknife. The situation often leads to the truck blocking several lanes of traffic, creating a hazard for other vehicles and causing major disruptions. Several factors can trigger jackknifing, but they usually fall into one of three main categories: braking issues, traction loss, and improper weight distribution.
1. Braking Issues
- If a driver slams the brakes suddenly—whether to avoid a collision or respond to traffic—the wheels on the cab and trailer may react differently.
- Locked trailer brakes are one of the most common causes of jackknifing. If the trailer’s brakes seize up, the cab continues moving forward while the trailer skids sideways.
- Hard braking on downhill slopes is particularly dangerous, as gravity adds extra force to the trailer, making it more likely to swing out.
2. Traction Loss
- Wet, icy, or snowy roads reduce the tires’ grip on the surface, making it easier for the trailer to slide. Even well-maintained tires struggle to hold traction under certain weather conditions.
- On slick roads, small steering adjustments can cause the trailer to fishtail. When the driver tries to correct the motion by braking or steering in the opposite direction, the trailer can pivot out of control, leading to jackknifing.
- High winds can also contribute to jackknifing, particularly for empty or lightly loaded trailers, which are more vulnerable to being pushed off track.
3. Improper Weight Distribution
- Uneven or unbalanced cargo loads increase the chance of the trailer shifting during a turn or lane change. When the load is concentrated too far to the rear or one side, it makes the trailer harder to control.
- Overloaded trailers are more prone to momentum buildup. When the driver brakes or turns, the weight shifts abruptly, destabilizing the trailer.
How to Prevent Jackknifing
We can’t control the weather or every traffic situation, but we can take steps to reduce the risk of jackknifing:
- Slow down on curves and in wet weather. Speed increases the chance of losing control on tight turns or slick roads.
- Use brakes carefully. Braking too hard can cause the trailer to skid. Use engine brakes when possible to slow down safely.
- Distribute cargo properly. Even weight distribution helps maintain stability.
- Check tire traction regularly. Worn-out tires reduce grip, especially in snow or rain.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Avoid sudden lane changes. Fast, sharp turns can destabilize the trailer.
- If an accident happens, call an I-65 semi recovery team immediately to prevent further risks and get help fast.
Paddack’s Wrecker: Your I-65 Semi Recovery Partner
Jackknifed trucks can throw everything into chaos, but our I-65 semi recovery is built for fast action. We’ll clear the road and get traffic flowing again. Rain, snow, or sudden stops, our I-65 semi recovery team knows how to handle it all. Every minute matters, and we show up ready with the right tools to tackle any challenge. From jackknifed rigs to rollovers, our I-65 semi recovery keeps drivers moving and safe, no matter what. Give us a call for all your I-65 semi recovery needs!