"Mowermech,
Well Sir, we did just that on the FD. We tested the stopping power of the "EMERGENCY BRAKES" on our fire trucks. We tested them at multiple speeds. Well, contrary to some belief on this particular thread, IT DOES WORK! Now, obviously it's not going to be as efficient as applying all four wheel service brakes but, it did work.
It was done in controlled situations. In short, the apparatus was brought to various speeds then, the engine/trans was disengaged (neutral) and the emergency/parking brakes were engaged."
Hmmm... "controlled situations" I take that to mean there was a driver holding the steering wheel. A breakaway towed vehicle, seems to me, would be an "UNcontrolled situation", in that there is NO one holding the steering wheel, controlling the vehicle.
SOME emergency brakes can be used to stop the vehicle; for instance, those that have a lever beside the driver so the driver can control the amount of braking force quite easily. SOME "parking brakes" would be quite difficult to control, such as those where the driver pushes on a pedal in the left foot well to set the brake, and must find a hidden button or lever to release the brake. My Jeep has the lever, the PT Cruiser and the truck and the motorhome have the pedal, with the release button hidden under the dash on the left side of the steering column. On the motorhome in particular, it is difficult to find even when parked. I sure wouldn't want to have to find it in an emergency/panic situation! IMO, that is a PARKING brake, period!
Regardless, I still would like to see some "real world" testing done by an independent testing organization. It would be nice to know for sure just how good these various gadgets really are!
