Inclement Weather
Like cars, trucks must slow down when roads are wet or covered with ice or snow; as skidding is a heightened danger. Windy conditions can also affect semis; especially those pulling high-profile trailers. Tandem trailers (a cab pulling two trailers) are especially susceptible to skids that can cause a serious jackknife accident.
Speeding and Sudden Stops
A truck topping a hill on an Interstate at 75 miles an hour that suddenly encounters an accident backup forces the driver to slam on the brakes. Only the most experienced drivers can do this safely; if they have enough distance to stop. Otherwise, the trailer’s speed is too high; especially if the brakes on the trailer might be in need of servicing.
Improper Braking
Generally, a truck driver has three “sudden stop” options.
- Lock the steering axle brakes; that keep the rig moving in a straight-ahead direction; regardless of which direction the driver is steering.
- Secure the drive shafts; which should only be done at very slow speeds (and used when the truck is backing up). This is how a lot of jackknife accidents occur.
- Lock the trailer axles (or both if the rig is a tandem). But the driver loses directional control and can go into an uncontrollable skid; causing the semi to either jackknife or overturn.
Overcorrected Steering
Sometimes as the truck just begins to skid, the driver will overcorrect (either steering too much into the skid or in the opposite direction).
Overloaded Trucks
Sometimes a truck is dangerously overloaded, which places greater strain on the trailer axle’s braking system. This is especially dangerous if the trailer’s brakes need servicing.
Shifting Loads
If the cargo is not properly secured it can shift. This effect’s the trailer’s balance so badly it could tilt or move; often causing a jackknife accident.
Jason R. Schultz fights for injured motorists’ rights when a negligent truck driver causes harm. Contact our office today: (404) 474-0804.
