Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?

Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?

• A. It can cause the rear wheels to lock
• B. The brakes on the trailer wheels caused the skid
• C. Hand brakes are ineffective in this situation
• D. It is against safety regulations

Answer: (B)

Using the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer is not advisable because it can lead to the rear wheels locking. When the hand brake is engaged on a trailer that is experiencing a skid or jackknife, it applies braking pressure to the trailer wheels. This can exacerbate the situation by causing the wheels to lock up and losing traction, which may make the jackknife worse instead of correcting it. In a jackknife scenario, managing the dynamics of the truck and trailer involves maintaining control through acceleration and steering, not through excessive braking. Engaging the trailer brakes could lead to a further loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. Therefore, it is important for drivers to refrain from using the trailer hand brake in such a situation and instead focus on other corrective measures.

Using the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer is not advisable because it can lead to the rear wheels locking. When the hand brake is engaged on a trailer that is experiencing a skid or jackknife, it applies braking pressure to the trailer wheels. This can exacerbate the situation by causing the wheels to lock up and losing traction, which may make the jackknife worse instead of correcting it.

In a jackknife scenario, managing the dynamics of the truck and trailer involves maintaining control through acceleration and steering, not through excessive braking. Engaging the trailer brakes could lead to a further loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. Therefore, it is important for drivers to refrain from using the trailer hand brake in such a situation and instead focus on other corrective measures.