2007-03-09 12:10:52 · 13 answers · asked by mick 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It refers to when a diesel or bus has tipped. In the dictionary it means to bend or flip. I've never heard of it referred to an automobile.
2007-03-09 12:20:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It helps to understand the term jack knife if you can think of a folding pocket knife, where you fold the blade into the handle to close it.
In automotives, this generally refers to vehicles with trailers, and is what happens during a sudden stop the trailer has a lot of weight so then the trailer attempts to pass the vehicle towing it, due to the fact that the trailer is still attached to the vehicle, it 'jack knifes,' by skidding into a 90-degree angle to the vehicle.
Commonly, this happens to 18-wheelers, pickup trucks and cars pulling trailers, boats, and campers.
The reason this term is used in an auto accident is because due to the dangerous situation a jack knifing vehicle creates on a highway, it stands a high chance of involving other vehicles, and it usually only happens during sudden stops, also a precursor to collisions.
2007-03-09 12:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by netthiefx 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing with an auto accident. For a truck it means the trailer has spun around to a precarious angle to the cab.
See http://www.neighborsinparadise.org/images/3-9-06Jackknife.jpg
2007-03-09 12:17:33 · answer #3 · answered by oklatom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jack Knife is a term used in "tractor trailer and trailer closing like a Jack Knife close"
I hope You and Your beloved ones are not in any.
2007-03-09 12:19:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The term "Jack-knife" refers to any vehicle pulling a trailer. Could be a highway tractor-trailer unit, or a motorcycle and tent-trailer combo. Jack-knifing is when the trailer skids sideways, and tries to pass the pulling vehicle that is slowing down.
2007-03-09 12:18:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
a jack knife is when a tractor trailer spins out of control and looks L shaped instead of staying straight....
2007-03-09 12:15:37 · answer #6 · answered by jim 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Refers to 18 wheelers when the tractor turns around facing the rear of the trailer and the two slam together!
2007-03-09 12:15:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's when the trailer on an 18 wheeler goes sideways.
2007-03-09 12:14:36 · answer #8 · answered by HULK RULES!! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a tractor trailer it is when the trailer is turned as far as it can against the cab and no longer straight.
2007-03-09 12:21:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That usually happens to big trucks... Its when the trailer part of the truck comes around hitting the cab part of the truck....
2007-03-09 12:16:36 · answer #10 · answered by thegeodeman2005 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋