What is a common cause of jackknifing?

Sudden braking on slippery surfaces is a common cause of jackknifing because it can lead to a loss of traction between the trailer wheels and the road. When the driver applies the brakes abruptly, especially on a wet or icy road, the rear wheels of the trailer can skid out to the side. This loss of control can cause the trailer to swing around towards the front of the vehicle, leading to a jackknife situation.

Jackknifing occurs when the angle between the cab and the trailer becomes too sharp, often resulting in the trailer pointing towards the cab. In these conditions, maintaining a gentle and steady braking technique is crucial to preventing jackknife incidents.

Other options do have their effects on vehicle handling, but they typically do not increase the risk of jackknifing in the same way sudden braking on slippery surfaces does. For example, turning too sharply may cause a loss of control, but it does not directly contribute to the sudden trailer skidding associated with jackknifing. Riding the brakes can contribute to overheating and loss of braking efficiency, while driving too slowly can also lead to handling issues, but these situations are less directly linked to the sudden dynamics that cause jackknifing.