Is anyone else in the community frustrated with the extra noise created by the added truck traffic along Ravine Road? In addition to the screeching wheels, there is the loud burbling noise you may hear is commonly called “Jake Brakes,” also referred to as Engine Brakes. The Jake action uses the engine like an air compressor to burp the pressurized air into the exhaust. Without using the brakes, the Jake creates resistance to slow a truck.
Trucks trying to slow down to residential speeds quickly (like 45 to 25 mph), may slow down without braking to keep truck loads from swaying when there is a quick drop in speed through city and residential areas. Common signs you may see to deter the extra noise being created are “No Jake Brakes” or “No Engine Breaks.” Recently, I noticed a new one posted at the corner of 10th Street and H Avenue. Due to the heavy increase in road construction equipment and trucks being re-routed through the detours.
The
name comes from the first repetition of the compression release engine brake,
which was developed by Jacobs Vehicle Systems. It was initially called the
Jacobs Engine Brake Retarder. So, the name was shortened and referred to as the
Jacob Brake. The nickname later became the Jake brake.
Who decides when and where to put the "No Engine Break" signs? The city and county commissions make the legal decisions to prohibit use of Jake Brakes in city and community areas. The Road Commission is then responsible for posting the signs. Enforcement is done by police departments. It is difficult to enforce because vehicles are usually gone from area by the time a report is received. However, posting "No Engine Breaks" signs are respected by most responsible truck drivers and act as a reminder when they are driving through residential areas.