Tennessee residents may not be able to predict every single potential crash that can happen on the roads. However, there are some signs that can help you determine if trucks are more likely to get into an accident, so you can steer clear.

As stated by The Free Dictionary, jackknifing occurs because the brakes fail or otherwise do not work as intended, or because a tire’s traction does not hold. These failures can happen for a number of reasons, and frequently include the following.

Maintenance or parts failures. If a truck is not adequately maintained, then its parts won’t be able to work as intended, either. Brakes should be monitored carefully and replaced or fixed as needed, and trucks need to be checked frequently to ensure that certain pieces aren’t faulty or defective from the shop. Old or damaged trucks could indicate poor maintenance.

Human error. Truck drivers are under strenuous conditions to make their deliveries and can commit a number of mistakes while in these stressful situations. Under-loading the truck or distributing the weight poorly can contribute to jackknifing, as can speeding or taking corners too quickly. Pay attention to erratic driving and steer clear if you see any.

Weather. If the conditions of the road lessen the tire’s traction, then it also increases a truck’s chances of jackknifing. Particularly dangerous conditions involve ice or snow, but even rain can be enough to send a trailer spinning.

Jackknifing trucks can cause massive amounts of damage to surrounding vehicles simply because of their size and weight. If you have been caught up in an accident with a jackknifing truck, you may wish to explore your legal options.