Father Advocates for Safety Changes After Son’s Fatal Accident

The tragic death of Graeme Rabbits, caused by a faulty braking system, has prompted ongoing safety investigations and calls for regulatory changes in New Zealand’s vehicle safety standards. Nearly eight years after that fateful day in January 2018, when Graeme was crushed by a telehandler with a failed parking brake, his father, Selwyn Rabbits, remains determined to prevent further tragedies.

Selwyn, a former military engineer, began his investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death shortly after the incident. He discovered a troubling pattern of fatalities linked to vehicles equipped with cardan shaft brakes, a common braking system found in around 70,000 vehicles across New Zealand. These brakes, which connect to the gearbox rather than the wheels, are often viewed as a cheaper alternative but have been associated with multiple accidents since 2010.

In a significant development last week, Coroner Erin Woolley concluded that the parking brake on Graeme’s telehandler was “inherently unsafe.” Despite this finding, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi disputed her conclusions. Selwyn Rabbits echoed the coroner’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for rigorous scrutiny of these braking systems based on his extensive research.

Media outlets, including Radio New Zealand, have closely followed Selwyn’s advocacy efforts. Senior producer Louisa Cleave noted that Selwyn conducted thorough research, uncovering several fatalities linked to the same braking system. She described his findings as an extensive compilation of accidents that underscored a significant safety issue. Cleave highlighted that Selwyn was cautious about speaking publicly until the coroner’s findings were released, ensuring that any reporting would align with the official investigation.

Coroner Woolley referenced six fatal incidents involving cardan shaft brakes, one occurring after Graeme’s death. Her report indicated that the brake in question failed to hold the telehandler on a slope, leading to the tragic accident. The coroner emphasized that Graeme, like many users, would not have been aware of the potential for such a sudden brake failure, even with a well-maintained vehicle.

Following the coroner’s findings, there have been calls for increased awareness and education regarding the dangers of cardan shaft brakes. The coroner urged NZTA to acknowledge that relying solely on such brakes poses inherent risks. In response, Michael Hargreaves, NZTA’s deputy director of land transport, stated that significant changes to the Certificate of Fitness process have been implemented since December 1, 2022, leading to a reduction in vehicle failures from about 33% in 2020 to approximately 5% currently.

Despite NZTA’s assurances, Selwyn Rabbits believes that more proactive measures are necessary. He plans to meet with NZTA’s chair, Simon Bridges, to discuss the need for clearer warnings and guidelines for drivers who operate vehicles with cardan shaft brakes. He recognizes that an outright ban on these vehicles may not be feasible, but he is adamant about enhancing safety protocols to avert future incidents.

The urgency of Selwyn’s campaign has garnered support from industry stakeholders. The National Carriers Association has circulated new alerts to its members based on the coroner’s report, while heavy vehicle compliance expert Steve Bullot has raised concerns about the design flaws of the braking system. Cleave noted that many individuals within the industry share these apprehensions, amplifying Selwyn’s message for change.

As Selwyn Rabbits continues his advocacy for improved safety measures, he remains steadfast in his mission to prevent further loss of life due to faulty braking systems. Drawing from his military engineering background, he approaches this issue with a focus on logic and constructive solutions. His commitment reflects a broader need for vigilance in vehicle safety standards, emphasizing that even seemingly minor issues can have catastrophic consequences.