Rollaway Vehicles and Handbrake Safety

Name: Pegasus Couriers
Price range: $

Phil West

Director Pegasus Couriers

Handbreak safety is becoming increasingly important, given the severity of the injuries that a rollaway vehicle can cause.

Preventing rollaways is essential for safe driving, especially when parking on hills or uneven ground. It’s important to understand that rollaway incidents can happen to anyone. In fact, studies show that 8% of drivers and 13% of driving instructors have experienced a rollaway event at some point (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

To keep your vehicle secure, regularly check your handbrake and ensure your vehicle is well-maintained. When parking on an incline, always engage the handbrake firmly. Make sure you don’t press the button while doing this; just pull it up until it’s secure. Additionally, shift your car into the correct gear. For manual vehicles, leave it in first gear, and for automatics, shift to ‘Park.’ This extra step can significantly decrease the chances of a rollaway.

Understanding the risks of rollaways and practicing these safety tips can help you avoid accidents. For example, if you’re parked on a hill, take a moment to double-check your handbrake and gear placement before leaving your vehicle.

By focusing on handbrake safety and vehicle maintenance, you can protect yourself and others from potential dangers on the road. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Faults lead to rollaway vehicles.

A vehicle handbrake, known as an emergency brake or parking brake, is a mechanical device to stop a vehicle from rolling. Using the handbrake when parking your vehicle is important to prevent rollaway vehicles, which can potentially have devastating consequences for drivers, pedestrians and other road users.

A slight incline or even just an uneven road surface can be enough to start a vehicle moving.

A 2013 study from the University of Leeds states:

When the brakes cool down, the braking force reduces due to relaxation of the entire parking brake system, and the vehicle may start to move, leading to obvious catastrophic consequences. The likelihood of rollaway occurring was found to be directly linked to the temperature of the brake when the vehicle is parked.”

Remember HIT when you park

Reduce your chance of a rolling vehicle incident but using the HIT – Handbrake On, Vehicle in Gear, Turn The Wheels when parking.

Always pull the handbrake firmly without pushing the button. This helps the brake grip better, reducing the chance of your vehicle rolling away. A secure handbrake is your first line of defence against accidents.
Regular vehicle maintenance is equally important. Ensure you check your brakes, tyres, and overall vehicle health often. This prevents accidents and helps you avoid unexpected repair costs down the line.
Participating in safety training can be beneficial. Workshops teach practical handbrake usage and responsible driving habits. This knowledge can significantly cut down on rollaway risks.
When parking on hills, it’s wise to use the right gear. For instance, if you’re facing uphill, shift into first gear; if facing downhill, shift into reverse. This extra step can help keep your vehicle from rolling.
Keeping the handbrake in good shape is crucial for safety, and regular maintenance can significantly lower the risk of rollaways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, improperly maintained brakes contribute to 22% of crashes (NHTSA, 2021).

Understanding Rollaway Risks

When you park your car, especially on small hills or bumpy ground, there’s always a chance it could roll away. This makes it really important to use your handbrake correctly. If not, it could lead to serious accidents.

Statistics paint quite the picture of a serious problem. For instance, a study found that 8% of drivers and 13% of driving instructors have experienced a rollaway situation at some point in their lives (Source: [Car Safety Research]). That’s right—drivers who you might think are experts have been caught off guard! Keeping your brakes in tip-top shape is absolutely essential to avoid these hair-raising moments. Research from the University of Leeds has shown that when brakes cool down, they can lose some of their stopping power, which only increases the likelihood of a rollaway.

To stay safe, it’s vital to check your handbrake and address any issues immediately regularly. By understanding the risks associated with rollaway and committing to regular brake maintenance, you can significantly reduce the chances of an accident.

In the end, just remember: a few simple checks can save you a world of trouble.

Do not become complacent - follow HIT

No matter what the cause, a vehicle rolling away can be a disaster.
A survey revealed that about 8% of drivers and 13% of Approved Driving Instructors had experienced a vehicle rollaway event.
The findings suggest that an experience relating to break failure will statistically influence whether the driver complied with recommended practices, such as leaving the vehicle in gear.

Another study found that drivers who travelled a short commute would leave the parking brake lever to the lowest position and not put the vehicle in gear.

Avoiding Complacency on the Road

Staying alert while driving is crucial for safety. Complacency can sneak up on drivers and lead to accidents, especially when it comes to using the handbrake properly. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings to prevent rollaway incidents, which can be dangerous.

Did you know that over 5,000 rollaway accidents occur in the U.S. each year? This statistic highlights the need for drivers to remain vigilant. Safety training is key to promoting responsible driving habits. Ongoing education helps drivers understand why using the handbrake is important and what can happen if they overlook it.

Regular workshops can help drivers build good habits and remain focused. For example, practicing proper handbrake use can significantly lower the chances of a vehicle rolling away. By staying proactive and avoiding complacency, drivers can ensure a safer experience for themselves and others on the road.

Health and Safety vs Rollaway Vehicles

Most transport companies ensure staff comply with Health and Safety policies, including basic driver training.

At Pegasus Couriers, we provide Health and Safety training to ensure drivers are up to speed with the latest industry trends. In addition, all delivery drivers are briefed on the best protocols to eliminate rollaway incidents. My best advice is to check your handbrake regularly, get any defects repaired immediately and follow the HIT process.
Drivers must remember that their handbrake is there for a reason – not just another lever in your car.
It should always be used when parking, no matter how short the distance or how long you will be away from your vehicle. So whenever you get behind the wheel, make sure that you use your handbrake!

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent a rollaway vehicle accident. Remember, using your handbrake only takes seconds but could save a life.

Staying Connected for Safety

Vehicle safety is crucial for everyone on the road. One important step is ensuring that drivers, transport companies, and regulatory bodies communicate openly. When these groups share information, they can improve safety practices and quickly address any concerns.

For instance, regular communication fosters a sense of shared responsibility for vehicle safety, including proper handbrake use. Companies like Pegasus Couriers hold workshops and training sessions that help drivers learn about safe practices and stay updated on vehicle maintenance.

In fact, studies show that companies with strong safety programs can reduce incidents by as much as 30% (National Safety Council, 2023). This means that by working together and sharing knowledge, drivers and transport companies can help prevent dangerous rollaway incidents, making the roads safer for all.