Jackknife - How to prevent it?

Causes of Jackknife:

• Ice on Curve
• Over Acceleration
• Over braking
• Over turning too sharp
• Unbalanced air brake timing
• Load shifting or a poorly balanced load
• Driver panic or slow reaction time
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Tire conditions
• Use of hand valve
• Windy conditions
• Downshifting on slippery surfaces
• Improper use of Jake brake or misuse of Jake brake

How to avoid a Jackknife ?

• Plan routes
• During pre-trips make sure ALL brakes are adjusted properly
• Don't drive when fatigued
• Never use the hand valve
• Watch your mirrors when slowing or stopping
• Don't use the Jake brake, except on dry roads
• Be aware of changing weather and road conditions
• Avoid over acceleration, drive smoothly
• Brake before a turn, not during the turn.
• Go easy on the service brake when slowing down
• Steer smoothly

What to do when you feel like your vehicle is starting to slide?

• Get off the throttle or the brake.
• Push the clutch in.