Large trucks create more dangerous roads due to their size, weight, and potential for malfunctioning equipment. One problem in particular is the difficulty many trucks have when attempting to stop. Traditional brakes are sometimes not enough to decelerate safely in the available road space, which is why so many are equipped with Jake Brakes.
What is a Jake Brake?
The first version of a Jake Brake was created by a company called Jacobs Vehicle Systems and was called the Jacobs Engine Brake Retarder. The brake was developed in the 1950s to improve safety for trucks and other motorists.
Large trucks’ traditional braking systems used on steep grades and at high speeds can cause fires and overheating due to the immense friction, and Jake Brakes provide a safer alternative.
How Does the Jake Brake Work?
When truck drivers engage the Jake Brake, it releases the compressed air in the truck’s engine through exhaust valves. Drivers sometimes choose to use this brake on roads with numerous inclines and declines, as well as high-speed roadways that have traffic signals. Essentially, Jake Brakes are most often used when the truck is traveling at higher speeds and needs to slow down quickly.
Rather than stepping on the brake pedal and creating dangerous amounts of friction and heat, a truck driver only needs to lift their foot from the gas pedal when the Jake Brake is engaged. One drawback of this method of braking is that it creates an incredibly loud sound, which can startle nearby drivers.
Are Jake Brakes Always Safer?
The most optimal conditions for using Jake Brakes are on dry roads and when the engine is in good working condition. A trucker driver can engage their Jake Brake and create a more dangerous situation than if they had simply pressed the brake pedal. If you’ve been injured in an accident even after a truck driver used the Jake Brake, contact Flanagan Law to discuss your eligibility for legal recourse.
Some conditions in which using a Jake Brake may create a hazard are:
- On icy or wet roads: the chance of skidding or jackknifing increases when a Jake Brake is used on slippery roads.
- Alignment issues: Jake Brakes can also lead to jackknifing if the tractor-trailer is not correctly aligned when the brake is engaged.
- Untrained drivers: drivers must be fully trained on how to use each part of their trucks, including Jake Brakes, to avoid causing accidents.
- Alarming noise: Jake Brakes may not be the safest option on busy streets and in neighborhoods due to the loud sound it creates.
Skillful and Compassionate Representation After a Truck Accident
Accidents can be prevented when truck drivers use their Jake Brakes appropriately. However, negligent and improper use can create unnecessary safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians.
Contact Flanagan Law to schedule a free consultation with our Atlanta truck accident attorneys.
