The Kindersley RCMP recently made a Facebook post reminding truck drivers who are travelling through Kindersley that using compression release engine brakes, or jake brakes, are prohibited within town, which created separated opinions in the comments.

Jake brakes by definition are an engine brake for diesel engines that cuts off fuel flow and interrupts the transfer of mechanical energy to the drive mechanism. The use of these brakes help save, or produce less wear and tear, on the truck’s regular breaking system and truck drivers often use them for this purpose.

Kevin Charlton, a former truck driver, stated that drivers will also use jake brakes when going down hill or into a sharper corner as those situations require the rate at which the driver has to slow down to be quicker and is then also fighting against the load that the semi is hauling. Charlton stated that in situations where hills are not present and reducing speed is gradual, drivers under normal circumstances can use their normal breaking system.

Another driver of over 20 years from the Kindersley area stated a similar opinion as well. He agreed in the sense that drivers coming into Kindersley are aware of the reduced speed limit, and many who have travelled through before, are aware of the two traffic lights as well. This all tells the drivers to slow down before entering town, which reduces the inertia of the semi truck/trailer, taking away the absolute need to use a jake brake. He did add however, that often he uses his jake brake as it does save his regular brakes but eliminates using it in municipalities which he said is “pretty standard around the region that he travels.”

Another industry professional of 24 years also weighed in on the topic, stating that using jake brakes is a safe and efficient way to slow down a large vehicle safely while maintaining stability and not relying on a semi units limited air supply. He added that it is not the use of the engine brakes, that it is rather the noise level, where some are louder than others. Charlton said as well, that many times the loud noise is substantially less in newer systems but get progressively louder if the semi has straight-piped exhaust systems and similar.

Regardless of personal opinion, the Town of Kindersley and RCMP reminds drivers there is a bylaw in place pertaining to the use of jake brakes:
• Bylaw 12-17 otherwise known as the traffic bylaw Section 46.1
◦ No person shall operate, apply, or use of compression release engine brakes (jake brakes), except in the case of emergency, when the operation of such brakes is necessary to avoid the possibility of a collision or dangerous situation.

Others who were advocating for the use of jake brakes within the town-site were contacted for a comment but a reply was not provided by the time the article was initially published.