Jackknife Control for Tractor-Trailer

A method to stop jackknifing of all tractor-trailer vehicles by controlling the angle between the tractor and the trailer to a maximum of 15 deg of movement to either side is discussed.

Most jackknifing occurs when the driver is forced into a unexpected lane change or into a panic stop to avoid an accident.

Tests have proved that when a tractor-trailer is in a 25 deg or more angle, the vehicle is then in an “angle of no return” and a jackknife can occur. When road conditions are unfavorable, due to rain, ice, or snow, the jackknife will be more severe.