What should you do if the locking jaws on the kingpin are not closed?

Study for the Mississippi CDL Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question featuring hints and explanations. Get ready for your Mississippi CDL exam!

When the locking jaws on the kingpin are not closed, it is crucial to stop and inspect the connection. This step is vital for safety because if the locking mechanism is not properly engaged, it poses a severe risk of the trailer detaching while the vehicle is in motion. This could lead to dangerous situations for the driver and other road users.

Conducting an inspection allows the driver to determine the cause of the issue, whether it's a malfunction of the locking mechanism or misalignment during the coupling process. Addressing these problems ensures that the connection is secure before proceeding, which is essential for safe driving. Ensuring proper coupling minimizes the risk of accidents resulting from trailer separation.

Continuing with the coupling process without inspecting the connection could lead to catastrophic consequences, as would adjusting the dolly's position without first ensuring a secure connection. Engaging the emergency brake is a safety measure, but it does not resolve the immediate issue of unsecured jaws. Therefore, stopping to inspect the connection is the responsible and necessary action to take.

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