I have been asked by our local CDL testing station to install a hand valve on their bus for the testing agent to be able to stop the bus in the case of an emergency. I was looking for any input on the best way to incorperate this into the bus brake system. The bus has an air brake system. Any advice or information would be great.
Personally I would not do it. Have them take it to the chassis dealer. Not to be stupid or anything but why would they want a valve like that in the first place? Sounds scary to me!! If a driver is not qualified enough to drive without haveing to be stopped by the testing person that person should not be behind the wheel at all! Much less in a bus.
I have had some of the same thoughts my self bwest. The set up has been pre approved by the ohio state patrol. It will need to be reinspected before it is put into service.
Our Drivers ED cars have a brake peddel on the passenger side. It cost about 2 hundred bucks to have it installed at a dealer. Our higher ups had the great Idea of us installing them in our shop to save the money. I refused to have my mechanics install them. So they reluctantly went back to the dealer for installation. The next week one of the cars was involved in an accident. The teachers brake got hung a would not let ether the drivers side or passenger brake work. I was out of the loop on that accident and was I glad.
I have had the "higher ups" wanting me to put in the brake control on our driver education car as well. No dice, I said! That has been several years ago and I have not been asked again.
I still say even if the State Police says it is ok you are sill liable for your install. If this thing is in an accident, no matter who is at fault, the athorities will be asking you questions.
Another thought I had was about insurance. I wonder if your insurance knew about this, would they approve?