Being alert is key to preventing and correcting a jackknife accident.

Jackknifing is a type of truck accident in which the two separate parts of the truck (cab and trailer) fold in on themselves at the point of separation. The term “jackknife” refers to the acute angle at which this happens, and how it resembles the action of a pocketknife blade folding into its handle while closing. Many truck drivers dread this happening, and understandably so. A driver that find him or herself in this position can cause serious injury. Imagine 80,000 pounds and 28 feet of piercing metal swinging towards your vehicle. Scary, isn’t it? (more…)