What to Do When Your Trailer Starts to Sway While Driving

Feeling the Sway? Here’s What to Do!

Driving with a trailer can feel like a dance, but it can turn into a chaotic ride when you feel your trailer start to sway. So, what’s the best way to handle that scenario? You might be tempted to speed up, hit the brakes, or change lanes in a hurry – but trust me, that can lead to disaster. Instead, let’s break down the best practices for controlling trailer sway, especially for those of you eyeing the CDL doubly and triply endorsed!

The Key Action: Reduce Speed and Steer Gently

When your trailer starts to sway, your first instinct might be to panic. But here’s the thing: the best thing you can do is actually reduce your speed. Slowing down minimizes the forces acting on your trailer, easing the stress on your vehicle and creating a smoother ride. Think of it like hitting the pause button – giving yourself just a moment to regain control.

While you’re reducing speed, gently steer in the direction of the sway. Let’s say your trailer begins swaying to the right; that means you want to gently steer right. This way, you’re more likely to realign the trailer with your vehicle. It’s not about overcorrecting; think of it as guiding your trailer back on the path you want.

Why Not Accelerate?

I know it sounds counterintuitive. Accelerating seems like it might get you out of a bind, right? Here’s why it’s a no-go: increasing your speed can actually exacerbate the sway. It’s like trying to run faster on a slippery surface; you’ll just lose your footing! At higher speeds, your trailer can catch more wind, intensifying the wobble and risking an accident.

Avoid the Brakes – Slow and Steady Wins the Race

This is crucial: braking abruptly is not your friend. When you slam on those brakes, it can cause your trailer to skid or make an unexpected shift in weight. And we all know that’s a recipe for losing control! Instead, gently easing off the gas allows the forces to stabilize before you make any drastic moves.

Changing Lanes Quickly? A Big No!

Picture this: you’re swerving suddenly to change lanes, trying to escape the sway. Bad idea! Quick lane changes can disrupt the alignment of your trailer and create a perfect storm for a roll-over situation. Keep it smooth, keep it steady; it’s the key to maintaining control.

The Calm Within the Sway

Imagine the road ahead as a sea of calm; steering gently back to safety transforms chaos into composure. Sometimes, it might feel counter-intuitive to ease off the speed or maneuver with precision, but these actions can save your day – and your trailer!

Practice Makes Perfect

If you’re gearing up for your CDL endorsement, practicing these techniques in a controlled environment is vital. You want to feel confident behind the wheel, especially as you prepare for that test. Remember, the more familiar you become with handling sway and adjusting your reactions, the more naturally it’ll come to you.

So, the next time you feel that swaying motion, you know the drill: reduce speed, steer gently, and stay calm. It’s all part of the journey, and mastering these skills will not only help you nail your endorsement but also ensure greater safety on the road. Happy driving!