Coushatta is joining communities throughout this area who have outlawed Jake Braking. It is a practice by drivers of heavy vehicles, log trucks, or oilfield traffic to slow their vehicles quickly.

Here is what Wikipedia says about it: “A compression release engine brake, frequently called a Jake brake or Jacobs brake, is an engine braking mechanism installed on some diesel engines. When activated, it opens exhaust valves in the cylinders after the compression cycle, releasing the compressed air trapped in the cylinders, and slowing the vehicle.”

Unfortunately, it is usually very noisy. Mayor Johnny Cox described several areas coming into Coushatta where the practice is being perfected by truckers. And he said residents are complaining.

Cox explained, “At present there isn’t anything we can do to Jake Brakers. This ordinance will be written to follow similar ones in neighboring towns. The fine is anticipated to be $150 or 15 days in jail for those ticketed.”