There are multiple kinds of trucking accidents that can occur, especially given the unique weight distribution and design of commercial trucks. The one of the more common and, certainly, horrifying accidents to watch unfold is a jackknife accident. When a truck jackknifes, the weight and balance of the truck that is normally carefully measured and accounted for can work against it. The result can cause great damage to the truck and any nearby cars.
Jackknifing, when applied to trucks and other towing vehicles, comes from a similarity drawn to folding knives. As the truck attempts to make a turn or a trailer loses its traction, the portion of the truck being towed can begin to fold into the cab or tow truck. In the case of a tow truck, this can cause significant damage to the truck as well as the vehicle being towed. In the case of an 18-wheeler, this can be a dangerous, if not deadly, complication on the road.
While it may seem like jackknifing occurs only because a truck driver attempts a turn at an inappropriate angle, there are times when the road itself presents a clear hazard or the truck suffers a mechanical failure. In these situations, even a careful driver can find him or herself trying to readjust the vehicle but failing.
There are some important measures that can be taken to avoid jackknifing. Mechanically, a truck driver can outfit his or her vehicle with modifications that improve braking. As many jackknifes can be blamed on a loss of traction, better brakes can help truckers in inclement conditions keep control over their trailers. Additionally, there are some mechanisms that will automatically deploy at high enough speeds that force trailers to stay within a certain angle arc, ensuring that jackknife cannot occur.
To discover more about how faulty mechanisms can cause accidents, contact a truck accident attorney today.
No comments:
Post a Comment