Jackknifing: meaning, definitions and examples

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jackknifing

 

[หˆdส’รฆkหŒnaษชfษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vehicle accident

Jackknifing refers to a specific type of accident that typically occurs with a combination of a tractor and a trailer. It happens when the trailer swings out sideways while the tractor remains in a forward motion, forming a shape similar to a folding jackknife. This can occur due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions, leading to loss of control and potential collision with other vehicles or obstacles. Jackknifing is particularly dangerous on highways as it can obstruct multiple lanes and create hazardous conditions for other drivers.

Synonyms

accident, collision, incident.

Examples of usage

  • The truck was involved in a jackknifing accident during the storm.
  • Jackknifing can lead to serious injuries for the driver and passengers.
  • The highway was closed after several vehicles were caught in a jackknifing incident.
Context #2 | Verb

vehicle behavior

To jackknife is to describe the action of a vehicle, typically a truck, losing control and causing the trailer to swing out sideways relative to the towing vehicle. This maneuver is often unintentional and can be resulted from sudden braking or loss of traction. When a vehicle jackknifes, it may become unstable, and the driver must take swift action to regain control before a more serious accident occurs. Managing weight distribution and speed can help prevent jackknifing.

Synonyms

lose control, skid, slide.

Examples of usage

  • The driver managed to avoid jackknifing the trailer.
  • If you brake too quickly, you risk jackknifing your vehicle.
  • He was trained how to prevent jackknifing during his truck driving course.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the mechanism of a jackknife, a folding knife, reflecting how a truck and its trailer can bend in an unexpected way.
  • Jackknifing became popular in transportation discussions in the 20th century as trucking grew more common.
  • The term has also been used in various contexts, including sports and gymnastics, describing a bending motion.

Safety Statistics

  • Jackknifing can be a severe hazard, leading to numerous accidents on highways, with truck drivers often needing safety training.
  • Studies show that bad weather conditions contribute significantly to the likelihood of jackknife accidents.
  • Preventive measures, such as proper load securing and maintaining adequate tire conditions, can help reduce the instances of jackknifing.

Cultural References

  • The term has been referenced in films and novels, illustrating the chaos of truck accidents and their aftermath.
  • In video games that involve driving, jackknifing often serves as a dramatic event, highlighting the dangers of trucking.
  • Set against a backdrop of high-speed chases, jackknifing shows the risks involved and adds a layer of tension in action media.

Physics Principles

  • The dynamics of jackknifing involve momentum and friction, where a heavy trailer can suddenly pivot and skid, creating dangerous situations.
  • Understanding weight distribution and braking techniques can help drivers avoid jackknife scenarios by maintaining trailer control.
  • The concept of jackknifing illustrates real-world applications of physics, especially regarding motion and balance.

Preventive Techniques

  • Experienced drivers are trained in techniques to prevent jackknifing, such as proper lane-changing and slow braking.
  • Utilizing anti-lock braking systems has been shown to lower the risk of jackknifing by maintaining better control during stops.
  • Regular vehicle maintenance checks can help ensure that brakes, tires, and the overall trailer-linkage systems are functioning properly.

Translations

Translations of the word "jackknifing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น semifinalista

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅˆเค•เคจเคพเค‡เคซเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบะปะฐะดะฝะธะน ะฝั–ะถ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใƒฃใƒƒใ‚ฏใƒŠใ‚คใƒ•

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žญ๋‚˜์ดํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุงูƒู†ูŠููŠู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŠ˜ๅ ๅˆ€ๅˆ‡ๅ‰ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฏแƒ”แƒ™แƒœแƒแƒ˜แƒคแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jackknifing

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ jackknifing

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,214, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.