If you have ever witnessed a jackknifing semi-truck, you undoubtedly know how scary this type of accident can be. After all, when the truck’s trailer passes its cab, the vehicle takes up even more space on the road. If you are not paying attention and following at a safe distance, you may have no option but to collide with a jackknifed rig.
You probably expect to see jack-knifed trucks during cold winter months, as icy roadways typically make jackknifing more common. Ice is only one cause of jackknifing, though. In fact, it is possible for a semi-truck to jackknife during hot summer months.
Loss of traction
If a tractor-trailer’s tires lose traction, the truck may be vulnerable to jackknifing. During the summer, loss of tire traction can happen for a variety of reasons. These include the following:
- Old or damaged tires
- Poorly inflated tires
- Unbalanced loads
- Water on roadways
- Road damage
Hard braking
According to the Commercial Carrier Journal, hard braking is a common reason for trucks to jackknife. That is, if a truck’s brakes lock up, the trailer may continue to move at highway speeds, making it swing to either side and pass the truck’s cab.
While experienced truckers know how to apply brakes in a safe and responsible way, novice drivers may make critical braking mistakes. Likewise, if a truck’s brakes are in disrepair, the truck may have a greater chance of jackknifing during hard braking.
Colliding with a jackknifing rig can leave you and your passengers with catastrophic injuries. Ultimately, determining the reason for the truck’s jackknifing may give you the evidence you need to pursue substantial financial compensation.