While you may plan a jackknife maneuver while backing to the loading dock or rounding a corner, the unplanned jackknife may cause you to lose control.

To help avoid unplanned jackknifing:

Review the Condition of Your Vehicle
Conduct a through pre-trip inspection, especially of brakes and air lines.

Consider the Current Weather Conditions This applies to both where you are and where you are driving to.

React Gradually and Apply Your Brakes Accordingly Sudden, sharp movements and brake action may cause a jackknife.

Know Your Load and the Road
Weight distribution of the load may affect braking action. The type of road surface, railroad tracks, sharp exit ramps, rutted roads or road-to-bridge surface changes may all contribute to loss of control, possibly resulting in overreaction and ultimately a jackknife.

Source:Sentry Insurance