Key Takeaways
- The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has stated that cardan shaft parkbrakes, linked to six deaths, are not inherently unsafe.
- Despite this, some trucking firms have stopped importing vehicles with these brakes due to their limitations and potential dangers.
- The coroner’s report into the death of Graeme Rabbits in 2018 blamed a failing cardan shaft parkbrake and determined that these brakes could not be relied upon as a sole braking system.
- Selwyn Rabbits, Graeme’s father, is pushing for the NZTA to take firmer action, such as banning imports of vehicles fitted with cardan shaft parkbrakes.
- The NZTA has implemented some safety measures, including warnings stickers and recommended use of ‘chocks’ on wheels, but some argue that these measures are not enough.
Introduction to the Issue
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has come under fire for its stance on cardan shaft parkbrakes, which have been linked to six deaths in the country. Despite a coroner’s report into the death of Graeme Rabbits in 2018 blaming a failing cardan shaft parkbrake, the NZTA has stated that these brakes are not inherently unsafe. This has sparked concern among some trucking firms, which have stopped importing vehicles with these brakes due to their limitations and potential dangers.
The NZTA’s Stance
The NZTA has told the Transport Minister, Chris Bishop, that it does not accept the coroner’s views on the brakes being inherently unsafe. The agency has also stated that it has taken steps to address the issue, including implementing safety measures such as warnings stickers and recommended use of ‘chocks’ on wheels. However, some argue that these measures are not enough, and that the NZTA needs to take firmer action to address the issue. The agency has also stated that it will continue to monitor data on the brakes and consider further regulations if necessary.
Concerns and Criticisms
Selwyn Rabbits, Graeme’s father, is one of those pushing for the NZTA to take firmer action. He has spent almost eight years urging the agency to ban imports of vehicles fitted with cardan shaft parkbrakes, and has accused the NZTA of "playing Russian roulette" with people’s lives. Rabbits argues that the brakes are not fit for purpose and that the NZTA’s response to his son’s death has not been enough. He also argues that the issue is not complex, and that it can be explained to a layperson in a short amount of time.
Recent Incidents
Recently, another cardan shaft parking brake failure occurred, where a vehicle’s driver had to jump to safety. The incident involved a small 4×4 truck, and the driver was climbing into the truck when the handbrake failed. The truck bounced over two wheel chocks and the driver was forced to evacuate, with the truck careening off the end of the driveway. The owner of the company involved in the incident argues that something needs to change, and that the current braking system is not safe.
Trucking Firms Take a Stand
Some trucking firms have taken a stand on the issue, with Southpac Trucks in Auckland stopping the importation of trucks with cardan shaft brakes. The company’s chief executive, Marteen Durent, argues that the recommended safety measures for the brakes are inadequate, and that the brakes should be banned. Another company, Foton New Zealand, stopped importing vehicles with cardan shaft brakes nine years ago, due to their severe limitations. The company’s chief executive, Roger Jory, argues that the brakes are not suitable for light trucks, which can be driven by people with no experience of braking systems that require more than simply pulling a handbrake in place.
Conclusion
The issue of cardan shaft parkbrakes is a complex one, with different opinions on the safety of these brakes. While the NZTA has stated that the brakes are not inherently unsafe, some trucking firms and individuals argue that they are not fit for purpose and that the NZTA needs to take firmer action to address the issue. With recent incidents highlighting the potential dangers of these brakes, it is clear that something needs to change. The NZTA needs to take a closer look at the issue and consider the concerns of those affected, in order to ensure the safety of all road users.
