Coroner Links Brake Failures to Multiple Deaths, Urges Action

A tragic vehicle accident that claimed the life of Selwyn Rabbits’ son has reopened discussions about the safety of cardan shaft braking systems used in many vehicles across New Zealand. In January 2018, Graeme Rabbits was killed when the brakes on a telehandler failed, causing it to roll down a slope and crush him against a concrete mixer at a construction site in west Auckland. Nearly eight years later, Selwyn remains determined to prevent similar tragedies by raising awareness about the dangers posed by this specific braking system.

Following Graeme’s death, Selwyn, a former military engineer and director of a crane company, began to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. His research uncovered multiple fatalities linked to vehicles equipped with cardan shaft brakes since 2010. These brakes are commonly found in approximately 70,000 vehicles in New Zealand and serve as a cheaper alternative to traditional braking systems. They operate with a single mechanism connected to the gearbox rather than at the wheels.

In a significant development last week, Coroner Erin Woolley declared that the parking brake was “inherently unsafe.” While the findings were disputed by NZTA Waka Kotahi, they echoed Selwyn’s conclusions drawn from years of extensive research. The coroner’s report pointed to six fatal incidents involving vehicles with cardan shaft brakes since 2010, including one that occurred after Graeme’s tragic accident.

The report detailed how the brake on the telehandler failed to hold when it was parked on a slope, a circumstance that would not have been apparent to Graeme or any other personnel on-site. The implications of the coroner’s findings suggest that similar accidents could occur unless more is done to educate users about the inherent risks associated with this type of braking system.

Woolley emphasized the need for the NZTA to recognize that relying solely on a cardan shaft brake is dangerous, as even well-maintained brakes can fail without warning. Despite this, NZTA Deputy Director of Land Transport Michael Hargreaves maintained that significant improvements have been made since December 1, 2022, in the Certificate of Fitness process, including roller brake testing. According to Hargreaves, the failure rate has dropped from about one-third of vehicles in 2020 to approximately 5 percent in 2025.

Selwyn Rabbits argues that the agency has not done enough to mitigate the risks. He is actively seeking a meeting with NZTA Chair Simon Bridges to discuss further actions that could be taken. While he acknowledges that outright banning all vehicles with cardan shaft brakes is impractical, he insists on the necessity for more robust warning systems and calls for a halt on new imports of these vehicles.

The concerns raised by Selwyn have gained traction within the industry. The National Carriers Association has circulated an updated alert to its 1,500 members in light of the coroner’s findings. Industry expert Steve Bullot has also stated that the braking system has a fatal design flaw, a sentiment echoed by other professionals in the field.

In a written statement to Checkpoint, Bridges indicated that Selwyn’s request is under consideration, adding that any legal advice related to the coronial findings is confidential.

Selwyn remains resolute in his mission to prevent further accidents, driven not just by grief but by a desire to ensure safety in the industry. “This has not been about a grieving father. I’ve always approached this logically and constructively,” he stated. “I come from a military background, and I believe that systems must be made right to function effectively.”

His determination highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and action in addressing the safety of braking systems in vehicles, as the consequences of inaction could lead to further tragic outcomes.