In February 2025, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency reminded us of a harsh reality: traditional cardan shaft park brakes have contributed to multiple deaths over the last 15 years when vehicles rolled away unintentionally. In many of these cases, the issue wasn’t mechanical failure — it was a simple lapse in routine. A brake not applied quite firmly enough. An assumption that the ground would hold. Fatigue, distraction, or unfamiliarity with the system can all play a role. These brakes—mounted directly to the driveshaft and operated via a cable or linkage—rely heavily on consistent driver input, and their limitations expose critical vulnerabilities.
The most common contributing factors include:
Insufficient engagement: Drivers unfamiliar with the extra effort needed can leave the brake only partially set—even a single missed “click” can be enough for a heavy vehicle to break free.
Surface conditions: Gravel, mud, snow or uneven ground can allow one wheel to slip, defeating the brake’s clamping force.
False sense of security: Because the brake lever or dashboard doesn’t always indicate whether the brake is fully engaged, drivers may believe the vehicle is secure when it’s not.
Cardan Shaft Park Brake
Meet the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System
Rather than simply alerting drivers to a potential issue, MAX-SAFE actively intervenes—automating the one action that, if missed, can have catastrophic consequences.
- Automatic Activation: If a driver exits without fully applying the park brake, MAX-SAFE immediately applies and locks the brake—holding full clamping force to prevent any rollaway.
- Continuous Monitoring: Utilizing a state-of-the-art microprocessor, the system continuously assesses multiple inputs, including the position of the park brake lever, driver’s seat occupancy, and door status, to determine potential rollaway scenarios.
- Enhanced Safety Alerts: The system provides both visual and audible warnings to alert drivers and nearby personnel of potential dangers, ensuring timely interventions.
- User-Friendly Design: MAX-SAFE integrates seamlessly with both mechanical and pneumatic park-brake setups. Its compact control unit and sensors retrofit neatly onto existing linkages with minimal vehicle downtime.
Driver’s view of MAX-SAFE system
Protecting Your Fleet Starts Here
Given the documented risks associated with cardan shaft park brakes—and the proactive attention from regulatory bodies—it’s clear that relying solely on manual braking systems is no longer enough. The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System directly addresses these concerns, offering fleet operators a reliable, automated layer of protection that removes human error from the equation.
Autokraft Electrical & Diesel is proud to be New Zealand’s exclusive MAX-SAFE distributor. We’re not just here to install a product—we’re here to help you implement a smarter safety system that fits your operation. Our team works with you from system selection and setup through to professional installation and ongoing support. With Autokraft on board, you get a partner committed to safety, reliability, and performance—so you can focus on the road ahead with confidence.
Ready to Upgrade your Park Brake Safety?
Contact Autokraft Electrical & Diesel today and discover how the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System can protect your people, your assets, and your bottom line.
Phone: 06 359 0100
Email: brandon@autokraft.co.nz 
Address: 691 Tremaine Ave Palmerston North
