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How do I avoid a jackknife truck accident?

by | Jul 6, 2018 | Truck Accidents |

If you are a licensed driver in Belgrade, Montana, it’s likely you’ve heard the term jackknife. No one wants to be around a truck that has jackknifed for various reasons. The first of those is that it can be quite a gruesome accident. Even the most experienced of truck drivers can find themselves in a jackknife accident. So, how do you avoid jackknifing?

Jackknifing most commonly occurs when the tires of the truck lose traction with the ground. This is often caused by wet roads, wet leaves, ice and snow. Another common cause of jackknifing is improper braking. When traction disappears, the tires skid instead of roll, which can cause the trailer to swing to either side of the cab, leading to the jackknife position.

In order to prevent such an accident, you need to check your mirrors when you brake. Look to see that the trailer is not swaying from side to side. You should also brake slowly and methodically instead of slamming on the brakes. Never brake during a curve in the road. You should brake before you enter the curve.

If at all possible, try not to transport light loads. Light loads will make it easier for your trailer to sway from side to side. The heavier the load, the more difficult it will be for the trailer to get away from you and cause a jackknife accident in Montana.

Jackknifing accidents are a problem that will always be present because of the way trucks are constructed. Truck drivers of all experience levels can find themselves involved in a truck jackknife accident in Montana.

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