How to Handle a JackKnife Skid- A Critical Professional Truck Driver Skill
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- If ever you do find yourself in a slide or jack knife situation as a professional truck driver, there are a few things you can do in an attempt to correct the situation.
Getting the unit straight again is number one. Until you get the unit straight, you will not be in control. Steering gently into the direction of the jack knifing trailer is a way to help correct the situation. All feet off the pedals.
No hard sudden moves on the steering! This can make the situation worse.
Once the unit is straight, then work at getting reducing the speed of the unit. Some drivers use the jake brake. Some use the brake pedal. Different methods are taught in formal truck driving training. Whatever method you were taught in your formal training, is the method you should follow.
Know what to do when you get your truck and trailer stopped. Truck drivers can be killed when they succeed in avoiding a jack knife accident, only to step out of the truck and killed by another vehicle out of control.
Knowing what to do in the event of a jack knife situation while behind the wheel of a truck, can save your life and the lives of others sharing the road.
Make it your business to know what to do BEFORE it happens.
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I'm no truck driver, but I can recognize this video will more than likely save lives. You're a good person for making these types of videos.
Life saving stuff for us rookies. If we all watched vets like you we'll all be better off.
Jermain Noble Amen!
3 years driving and haven't found a decent internet video until this one. i'll be checking out your other ones when i get time. cheers
Thank you! Dave
As a rookie driver, this video affirms my decision to shut it down during icy conditions or whenever the weather makes me feel uncomfortable, always stay alert and talk on the phone during my 10 hour break. Thank you.
If it looks wet but no spray is comming off the vehicles ahead, assume it's ice. Also ice build up on backs of mirrors is another indication
M Blake Jr I'm assuming your running with a cold windshield as well?
I never had an outside temperature gauge in the old trucks I drove, so my rule was, once the mirrors started to freeze, the ground wasn't too far behind.....very good point you brought up for us "poor truckers". LOL.
Your advice and video saved me from a total disaster back in March of 2017!! I was stuck on US 97 near Madras, Oregon in a black ice storm!! It saved my job and a black mark on my license!! Thank you very much sir!! Keep up the great work!!
Thanks for watching William! Always a pleasure to here from you! Stay safe! Dave
@@SmartTrucking Thank you Dave, I will be safe!!
I am not a trucker, but I have an appreciation for the profession. You have a lot of knowledge about your job for sure, but you have a real gift in how you present that knowledge. All your presentations are very professional & clear to understand. You are a credit to the industry.
Great video, been driving for 25 yrs and still learning. Thank you!
Thank you sir! Dave
god bless truck drivers, please be careful on the road
Your no-nonesense vids are appreciated. Thank you!
My god sir. You are the only person here on youtube who helped me relax and loose some of the anxiety about trucking. Thank you in enormous proportions.
You're welcome Rumen! Dave
Rest In Peace. You gave so much good advice to so many people.
This guy knows what he's talking aboat
I’m at the school in CR England right now, I’ve learnt more from you then this school thus far, thanks for sharing
This is my first year as a trucker. I started in February of this year so I got a little taste of driving in the snow already but nothing heavy. I've been watching alot of videos to learn and help prepare myself for this upcoming winter. I just wanted to thank you for your videos. I appreciate and enjoy all of them.
Thanks Heath! The big secret with running in the snow is to run slower, brake sooner and more gently and leave way more following room. Dave
Great advice all around. The one thing I question is about the Jake brake. I once encountered a situation where I was going downhill in slippery conditions, with the Jake set at #3, which worked great... until I touched the service brakes to slow for an upcoming right curve/exit [on a two-lane highway]. Immediately, the drives locked up and started skidding (the combined braking of engine braking and service brakes overcame the traction cohesion limit of the drive tires on the highway). That put the truck into a skid with the trailer pushing. But I did what you said: "Get the rig straight." I let off the brakes, turned off the Jake, tried to get everything under control again, which worked... and skipped my intended right exit [I was going way to fast to even attempt the turn], and continued straight for several miles until I could turn around and go back to my turnoff. Scared the s*%t out of me. I've heard that a semi-trailer combination can't get more than 15 degrees out of alignment before it becomes "unrecoverable" in driving situations. That's a pretty small angle for recovery. And THAT'S why your advice about "paying attention" ALL THE TIME is so appropriate. Someone once describe truck driving as "days of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror". There is truth in that... and one would hope that we're all prepared for those "moments" when they happen.
Be safe out there!
My dad was trucker in the 1970's, he hauled gypsum board to Indiana from Buffalo, NY and jackknifed once. He came home so shaken he literally sat in his easy chair for 2 days and couldn't speak. Scary. Be safe out there.
Thanks Amber! Dave
You guys and gals listen to this. .
How many times have we seen drivers left leg up by the window. Yaking on the phone. One hand on the wheel.
Look at your Temps.
Look at spray coming off the rear wheels of cars. No spray it s getting icy. Real shiny road black ice.
Slow is good.
This is really good info for us old guys and the newer drivers.
We old guys got experience to go by. But we also have habits. They can an do bite back from time to time. Lot of good points. Thanks.DJ
as a rookie with only 3 1/2 yrs exp,this is awesome advice to us rookies,thank you for your expert advice,ill live by what you told all of us,hopefully it don't ever happen,thank you sir
Thank you! Dave
Your so right. I just came down Bromley mtn 8% grade and had my engine go quiet, then realized, yup I’m in a skid.
Tapped the throttle to regain traction and road it out. Luckily I have 34 years of driving down, and was going slow enough where I could regain my composure. Still after all these years of driving, it still gets to ya
Yup! Makes you sit up and take notice! Dave
When I 1st started driving years ago. A old man told me whatever you do, just keep it straight. He said if you're going to crash in to a ditch, a guard rail or into another vehicle do it with the trailer straight behind you. That piece of advice served me well.
My most memorable skid was in the late 60s hauling steel with an Autocar pulling 55,000 pounds of steel going Hamilton to Richmond Hill Ontario. Just as I got on the exit ramp from 401 to 400 north it started to rain. I knew that was when the road is the slickest but I was hoping it might not be that slick yet. Wrong. I was halfway through the 90 degree curve when the tractor started to skid. Had I not been able to correct it I'd have gone through the guard rail and landed on the 401 in the right lane or perhaps all of them. Steering into a skid under that situation is sure to pucker your sphincter and you bet it did but lucky me I never did panic so I just did it and it worked.
Speaking of ice and a CB radio, another night I was eastbound on the 401 at the east end of Toronto headed for Ottawa when my gut told me to slow down. I was in the collector lanes because they were working on the other lanes and the road was clear so there was no logical reason but I took my foot out of it because I've learned to trust my gut. My gut told me "no, I mean SLOW" so I backed it down even more. Seconds later I got to the top of a hill and found the road had turned to black ice and down the hill were 3 trucks all crashed together and blocking the road. I got on the radio and warned other east bound drivers and soon another truck pulled up beside me and asked me how the hell I knew. "Just a guess and maybe some help from the big guy" was all I could think of. That one was almost spooky but I sure was glad of it.
Stay safe my friend.
Pays to listen to your gut feelings! Thanks for writing in Doug! Dave
Doug Fever
Welcome to Highways of the hell
Nothing like Hwy 3 (crownest)
I love these amazing twelve indicating gages equipped on this truck,it looks like from the console in the airplane's cockpit.
As a previous railroader who going to start cdl school Monday you're the type of guy I'd love to ride with and learn from. Great videos thanks for the advice, keep them coming.
this man's wisdom is priceless and life saving thanks for all the great tip's.
watch your marker light midway on your trailer. If you can see spray off the drives its water. If there is none it has turned to ice . Keep your eyes on the amount of water coming up from the drives at night by watching your marker lights and understanding less spray means worsening conditions. Old school but can save your life and the lives of others. An old milk hauler . Jimmy Taylor, from Limestone ,Tn. taught me this old school trick. Solid knowledge no matter what your driving. Old guys were wise and taught us younger drivers how to stay alive. Thanks and respect to all the "Old Hands' .
Good tips Jimmy! Thanks!
Thank you so very much saving lives and teaching new drivers, I watch all your content and always learn something new from you which makes me more informed and a little bit more confident.
Glad to help! Dave
When I was checking drivers, I would ask them what they would do if a school bus stopped or backed onto the road. Young guys would say "blow air horn" Old guys would say" hit the ditch,try to ride it out" Different times.
I appreciate you're not being a super trucker instead just another trucker who has been there before and would like to help me, and all the other me's, with a bit of knowledge or wisdom.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience, new drivers like myself really learn a lot from truck vets like yourself.
Excellent video! I'm a seasoned driver for the past 23 years and I enjoy your videos. Thank a bunch driver. Keep 'em comin.
Thanks Chris! Appreciate it!
Once again thanks for the great advice. It a shame there are drivers that try to maintain 60-70 mph on snowed over roads. For me o start to go a little slower as temps fall near freezing, or when I can see the snow stick to the road. I have other trucks pass Mr on snowed over roads just to find the down the road and off the road because of speed. Be safe driver!
You as well! Dave
true fact:) I've fought many jacknifes in my trucking days. reverse torque, the stupid traction control going wacky when going over a bridge deck, or wind. I always feather the go pedeal, and stay off the brake. One other thing, learning to use the jake properly is a lot better than brakes ever could be. Another important one is going down hill and jack knifing, you have to be going faster than your trailer. Meaning, you might have to shift up and go with it. Thank you for the video:)
Hi Dave, a very good clip again, there is just one thing a disagree with you. Assuming you are not in a slide, but you want to slow down, don't use the jake brake. First, get rid of all traction of ALL wheels, then start braking soft with your regular brakes. If you use the jake, you have only 8 wheels that will slow you down, use your normal brake and you have 18. With less power on the brakes you have more stopping power. In all my years driving into Scandinavia I learned one thing: there are 3 rules for driving in bad weather, 1. distance 2. speed matched for the condition and 3. Keep cool.
Good vid sir and one key factor, a lot of drivers aren’t paying attention in the first place
I agree with a comment that was made on one of your other videos , I think it should be mandatory for new truck drivers to watch your videos , hey garunte you it will save lives .
His truck is so incredibly bad ass.
Now this guy sounds like an Excellent Truck Driver
Good advice. The job i wanted when i was younger was to be a trucker. However, with 3 dui's just after my 18th birthday put a damper on that thought. Now that im 61, i finally got a class A license. Better late than never. And now im seeking work. Lol. I live in arizona so i dont think ill see much snow. Thanks for the vid
I've used the snowbank trick up in Vermont. works well coming down if you're going slow enough.
My first solo run I had at Werner I was in a XL classic pulling out of a fuel station in Colorado at two miles an hour getting onto the onramp to the highway and I noticed my trailer going out from me and slowed the truck down and managed to get that trailer back under me I was lucky that my instructors teachings kicked in be safe my brothers and sister drivers and merry Christmas
this ole timer helped me while I was training to drive cdl and I watch them at least once a year to keep his words semi (lol) fresh in my mind this guys words are gold you guys pay attention.
Excellent advice I truck over the rockies and I apply all that and then some.Thanks.
Very very wise man, a professional Truck driver for real,
"Jake brake" is king.....saved me a few times over the years....even in town.. shift up , get the rpm`s up, and flip them on .( i know all you guys are saying),(not to use them in town,) but I would rather get a ticket for "noise" that slam into someone on a gentle incline (heading down the incline) ..a little noise never hurt anyone!
as a rookie with only 4 years experience,thanks for easing my head a little bit when driving in bad weather Dave..
I've been driving for 6 years now and thank you for explaining the proper use of the Jake.
Spoken Like a True Professional not to many left out there. Awesome Video
I was in a basic old day cab Freightliner and I saw my trailer sliding out on the passenger side. I hit my engine break and it did the trick. I didn't even turn towards the skid. I was lucky that I caught it early. I was only going 55mph but I slowed her down to 45 and didn't have any problems after that. It is a sick feeling when you see your trailer sliding out like that.
It gets really scary when your trailer slides out to the side and starts bouncing.. I had that happen to me coming into Dallas on 30. I was coming down the hill out of Rockwall when the trailer brake locked up. I was across all three lanes and faced with either plowing into traffic OR taking my chances jumping the embankment into the lake. Luckily I got it straight and stopped about 15 feet from the cars stopped in front of me. I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one who needed a fresh change of clothes after that. Then, after that near disaster, I was north on 35 just out of Ft. Worth when I saw a trailblazer literally split in half into a bridge guardrail on the southbound side, it was then I saw a carseat in my lane. By the time I saw it, there was nothing I could do but hit it. FORTUNATELY it was empty. Afterwards, a TxDOT pulled up, noticed how shook up I was and escorted me to a nearby rest stop. That was probably my worst memorable day out on the road. Just goes to show how quickly a good day can turn sour.
Yup, it's funny how fast it can go bad. Dave
Eric Harrison Wooooooo!
Wow, that's an incredible day! Somebody was looking out for you, that's for sure!
I-30 aint no joke man, some parts is I-35 is just as bad.
The section between OKC and Dallas is horrific because it's always just cold enough for the rain to freeze to the road. Then you get towards Denton and all that traffic just makes things a million times worse.
Great video. I was only otr for about a year and quit driving last year to go back to school, but level headed advice like this is awesome. My company's policy was no Jake on ice/ snow/wet roads, but it sure felt right to use it on lower settings. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Just bought an '85 GMC Jimmy and my truck driving skills keep that beast in line. She Wants to fishtail sometimes cause of the 350 in it, but i dont over correct and keep her from going belly up! BEST PURCHASE IVE MADE IN A LONG TIME!!! LONG LIVE THE 80'S!!!!! Only fancy people had the 1G service Cord phones at their center console or dash mounted.
Good indicator of icy roads is when the back of your mirror is looking like your freezer at home.
Great video. I live in Minnesota and I see at least five jacknifes or rollovers every winter. Good advice on how to stay safe
Thank you! Dave
Great solid advice ! Your knowledge is appreciated. Obviously your 40 yrs. of knowledge is wise !
Looking to get in the bussiness, your knowledge is power !
Thank you for your knowledge. I'm in Asheville, NC now and it's raining out here. Iv only been driving for 3 years and your videos r very helpful. I'm very appreciative to learn from an experience driver like yourself .
Good advice, as your usual advice nothing like seat time to know your truck. Last week blizzard conditions in ND, I was heading N up on I-29 from Fargo to Drayton, had serveral gust of wind on black ice shoved the front of my tractor over 3feet to the guardrail, say the least I was cussing the wind. Safe travels everyone, 3 more months of winter to go.
I really appreciate your thoroughness and you sharing your experience. This may sound strange, but when I had a 53' box trailer with ABS brakes start to jackknife on me on the passenger side, besides checking the mirrors, while I was looking forward and steering to straighten, I could "feel" when the trailer was pushing straight on the kingpin.
As a driver since 1979 this gentleman says it as it is, what he says is so true , very good sir !!
I always enjoy watching the ice build up on the wipers and mirrors.
I enjoy it best when parked in the truck stop! Dave
Smart-Trucking.com I enjoy it cause I then know my day is soon done
A thoughtful, informative video that almost any truck driver would benefit from watching. Nice job, Dave.
Thank you! Dave
Good vid. Proves once again there is no substitute for experience. Haven't driven in 45 years but I remember my one, harmless, jackknife like yesterday.
Thank you for your video sharing your experiences,
CB saves and helps people.
Have NO IDEA why this is under the distraction law
good advice, always keep distance in front with bad weather. Rumble strips can be your best friend.
YES agree with you.. I drive here where its winter 7 months of the year and first thing is to take your foot off the brake! once your trailer gets to a certain point skidding and jackknifing, there is a point of no return.. the quickest way to stop the jackknife is to take foot off brake... once the trailer starts to correct, apply again for a split sec or two and release!
Thank you sir for all your wisdom! it really helps to hear advise from a seasoned vet like you. Thanks again
Thank you Rafael! Dave
Great advice. Every situation is different however. Common sense and knowledge will prevail most of the time. Thanks for a great video.
Thank you, ive always been taught to stay away from brakes and the jake in a slide and to throttle out of it. Watched the drivers in quebec jacknife in traffic for fun, see how far they could bend the cab and still recover.
Your videos a very informative i just found your channel and have subscribed.
thank you, for sharing real first-hand information.
Good stuff. I miss driving, don't miss driving in snow and ice.
I hear ya!
Thank you for your wisdom. I am just starting out trucking!
I come here every winter ❄️ great video
I'd like to add that I use the jake on slick surfaces however I never use it with the divider locked in just to avoid both drives sliding plus if the pulling axle skids with the brake jake on then it gives you an idea of how slick it is
Great advice as always, Dave, couldn't have put it better, in fact have been putting it like that over most of the past 50 years! Just a comment on categories of jacknife. There are 2 imo, the first, and the worst, is caused by drive lockup and the trailer pushes the tractor out of the way, violently. The 2nd is trailer swing caused by trailer wheels sliding. More gentle but both have the same remedy. Feet off and eeeeasy does it with the wheel. Had a couple of the former myself and avoided the snapshut. BTW, know what the French call it? Portefeuille, which is French for wallet, because it seems like a wallet being snapped shut. Keep your wallet wide open mate ;-))
As a rookie driver I'm always looking for trucker tips as I wanna be a bad mutha trucker! How am I just finding this? I want to say thank you sir for sharing your knowledge and experience. I've learned so much and can't wait to watch them all!
Like your videos man. I just got my license and you and a few other youtubers are my only hope at getting out there and not sucking horribly at my job. I've been bad at jobs before and I don't want to go that route again.
Just concentrate on being the best you can be and you'll be fine Scott! Dave
Thank you for taking the time to educate all those interested to learn from all your experiences I really appreciate you and I look forward to watch your videos you are very knowledgeable and explain it in very good detail.
Thanks Oliver! Dave
First time driving in UTAH I experienced my first skid and my mistake was down shifting , I didn't touch the brakes but when I down shifted my wheels locked up and the skid got worse , I got a little panicked but I went back to the basics and I upshifted and brought the skid under control. Lesson learn , great advice great video .
I enjoy watching your Video's, a lot of wise information for the new drivers and have been driving approx. the same length of time as yourself, I however was taught that no matter what, a person must always endeavour to keep the trailer truck straight even if it means grabbing another gear and have used that knowledge to my advantage (only I time). Whenever I see a jackknifed unit I always think "rookie". I also wish Driver Instructors would teach new drivers to NEVER even think of turning that steering wheel unless the machine is in motion, back in the day when there was no power or brakes on the steering axle you had no choice. I have literally informed thousands to no avail., same as curbing, some folks just don't have any idea the damage they do.
Thank you!!!🙏🙏 This is the way things should be. Experienced guys teaching the up and coming. It's a shame that inexperienced drivers are sent out onto the roads without practical experience. This is BAD CHEMISTRY to say the least.
Currently I'm working on the CDL Class A Combination with Air Brakes here in Long Island NY.
Crazy Drivers Here. I will Not Be Driving A Rig without a Dash Camera, that's just asking for trouble. The Camera will serve two purposes, one other drivers in 4 wheelers and two for my own review to make self improvements.
Thanks again for the tips and a great channel for us that are beginning. 👍👍👍
Spoken like a true veteran. Great advice on this one! They don’t teach you this in the CDL manual.
👍🏼. Nice job. Wet roads catch people off guard too
Thank you for all good advice you are great person like you said is a shame truckers don’t communicate those days anymore! They should after all we are road brothers!!
Agreed!
God bless you sir for sharing you treasure experience.
Profoundly helpful video, even to us drivers who've been in it for decades.
One thing I learned a long time ago and has worked for me when you get into a Jack knife use the Johnson bar lock the trailer drop a gear and stand on the throttle get her straight off the break off the throttle slow it down, best way to stay out of that situation Slow down drive the road not the truck keep your 5th wheel greased be smooth don't over react Slow down drive for conditions
Great video again, had a bad storm this morning, pushing snow with the bumper no where to pull off. Jake on low and spike got me down some real nasty Newfoundland hills
Hey, I enjoy your videos. I'm a 53 yo 6 month rookie driver. Your information is well noted with me. It is practical and no nonsense. Could you do a video for rookie drivers that have less than 1 yr experience. I've made my mistakes in the 6 months that I've been driving, thank God they were very minor. I am a company driver and love the freedom of being on the road. Thank you for all of the education you provide for us drivers. Even during my short time of driving I've seen drivers do stupid stuff. Again thank you for providing us with common sense advice and education.
Had my first skid last night on I70, during the winter storm Hunter. Scary as hell. I didn't want to drive, but just started on a new account making pretty good money, and was told I must be on time for appointments. So I didn't want to call in delayed during my first week, bad choice I made. The roads were salted, but there was a patch where the wind was blowing across the hwy. You could see the snow blow across like a line in front of you. Everyone slowed down, as well as I, probably going 45, no faster than the trucks in front of me. Still I went into a skid, truck started going into right side ditch, never touched the breaks, just steered away from ditch, steer tires found traction at the last second and turned out of it. Lessons learned, don't drive if you don't think you should, and watch out for snow blowing across the hwy.
It is good advice for us four wheelers too. I was 18 maybe and went for a few loads of softwood van chips. The landing zone was 40 miles in the woods. Jan - Ice roads. We left for the run at 3:30 am. Ivan, had 32 yrs, no accidents. And he could run the van back to the chipper, in the dark. It was a mile, backwards to get there. I was amazed how he used the mirrors and a gentle touch, to ease it into place. It took 3 hrs to get to the mill, we were there by 7. That meant to Ivan, that he could get 3 runs in before he timed out. I thought we were riding on snow, cause that is what it looked like, in the driving lights. We got back to the chipper at 11 or so. As the sun got on the road, it melted. Ivan drove on this and never slipped a wheel. I got out when we were loading, and I fell on my butt 3 times on the ice, before I grabbed the truck and pulled myself back in. That exposure changed me. I became a lot more cautious when driving in weather. And I gave trucks more room.
I was hauling 100 pounds of mulch in a 10 x 10 trailer with my john deere 3000 riding mower going about 5 mph. Almost jack knifed her when I hit a dog turd in the yard. stained my breeches I tell ya.
Mower needs a Jake break
Good stuff 'ole timer. Proof positive that old school is the best school.
U can throttle out of a brake induced slide, if u feel like a gambling man
31yrs Trucker, been there done that. Try jackknifing, going downhill with a step deck, 15000lbs loaded. 90% of the time you have no choice but to hit something to stop. I had to use the jackknifed trailer against rail guard to slow & stop me.
Jackknifed 3 times, with very light load or empty, fellow drivers plssss be safe, go slow this winter (& every other winter). No load or delays is worth your life & lives of ppl you share the road with.
You are absolutely right about that lil part betweens Effingham IL. and Indy state line. I ran first class mail from STL to Indy thru there for years. Strange patch of road thru there👌 Good advice
Appreciate it Ozzie! I still think my spread axle was part of what saved me that day! Scared the crap out of me, that's for sure! Dave
CB radios need to make a comeback for truck drivers. Also, I'm hooked on this channel!!
Thanks Deanna! Dave
Thank you for your kindness , generosity.
As the saying goes in the world of.trucking, " keep those puppies rolling ".
In this case , keep those puppies rolling
but take heed to uncle Dave 😊 👍 ( no disrespect intended)
Thanks a lot for the advice !!! Be safe out there. 🙏🏼
Glad Im not the only one who uses the jake in slippery conditions.
35th winter and still learning,great vid.thank you. The worst advice I was ever given was u see spray ur o k.wrong!freeze and thaw cycles put water on top of ice that is attached to the road surface.i think if I can pass 1 piece myself it is if you are gripping the wheel any tighter or different than normal,u are going to fast or conditions are making u uncomfortable.slow down or get out of the situation.dont let anyone else drive your truck.they may be faster,but they may not get there.so may trucks i have passed in a ditch that had gone by me..slow n e z will get u home.