Anti-Rollaway | SGESCO-MAX

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway — At a Glance

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway is an automatic park brake engagement solution designed for heavy vehicles. It eliminates the risk of uncontrolled rollaway incidents by automatically applying the park brake if a driver exits the vehicle without engaging it — removing reliance on human memory under conditions of operational pressure, distraction or fatigue.

Automatic Brake Engagement icon

Automatic Brake Engagement

Applies the park brake instantly upon driver exit if it has not been manually engaged.

Pre-Brake Alerts icon

Pre-Brake Alerts

Visual and audible warnings notify the driver that the park brake is not applied.

Fatigue and Distraction Mitigation icon

Fatigue and Distraction Mitigation

Removes dependence on driver action when under operational pressure, distracted or fatigued.

Vehicle Agnostic truck icon

Vehicle Agnostic

Compatible with pneumatic and mechanical park brake types for heavy vehicles.

Life Safety Focus icon

Life Safety Focus

Protects drivers, co-workers and VRUs around heavy vehicles.

Why you need it

Heavy vehicle rollaways pose a significant safety risk every day. These rollaway incidents can lead to major accidents, resulting in substantial property damage, personal injury, or even fatalities. The financial implications of such accidents include repair costs, legal liabilities, and increased insurance premiums.

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System™ addresses this critical safety concern by ensuring vehicles remain stationary when parked, providing peace of mind and enhancing overall safety. This system is designed to mitigate risks, protect assets, and safeguard lives, making it an essential addition to any vehicle fleet.

Automatic Activation

The park brake system engages automatically when a potential vehicle rollaway is detected, eliminating the risk of human error.

Enhanced Safety

Protects both the vehicle and its surroundings by ensuring it stays securely in place, preventing potential rollaway incidents.

User-Friendly Design

Easy to install and operate, the system integrates seamlessly with existing vehicle mechanics, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations.

Safety of personnel around the vehicle.

Protection of the vehicle and equipment.

Insurance against driver oversight.

Continuous monitoring of multiple conditions.

Both visual alerts and audible warnings*.

Intelligent logic with self-checking to ensure system integrity.

NHVR compliant solution.

Combine with MAX-SAFE Watch and View Solutions for additional safety.

Safety of personnel around the vehicle.

Protection of the vehicle and equipment.

Insurance against driver oversight.

Continuous monitoring of multiple conditions.

Both visual alerts and audible warnings*.

Intelligent logic with self-checking to ensure system integrity.

NHVR compliant solution.

Combine with MAX-SAFE Watch and View Solutions for additional safety.

Monitor

A state-of-the-art microprocessor continuously monitors multiple inputs to determine the possibility of the vehicle rolling away. Inputs include the position of the park brake lever, state of the driver’s door & seat, and vehicle speed.

Monitor

A state-of-the-art microprocessor continuously monitors multiple inputs to determine the possibility of the vehicle rolling away. Inputs include the position of the park brake lever, state of the driver’s door & seat, and vehicle speed.

Warn

The system includes visual, audible, and external warnings to alert the driver and people nearby of potential danger. An initial warning is given if the door is opened, with the system sounding an external tonal alarm and internal buzzer, either screen messages or flashing LEDs¹.

Warn

The system includes visual, audible, and external warnings to alert the driver and people nearby of potential danger. An initial warning is given if the door is opened, with the system sounding an external tonal alarm and internal buzzer, either screen messages or flashing LEDs¹.

Act

If the driver leaves the cabin without fully applying the park brake, the system activates immediately to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, creating a safe environment and activating warnings in the process. This all happens within milliseconds.

Act

If the driver leaves the cabin without fully applying the park brake, the system activates immediately to prevent the vehicle from rolling away, creating a safe environment and activating warnings in the process. This all happens within milliseconds.

Diagnose

The solution has in-built self-diagnostics, constantly checking multiple parameters to ensure the system's integrity and alerting if any faults are detected.

Diagnose

The solution has in-built self-diagnostics, constantly checking multiple parameters to ensure the system's integrity and alerting if any faults are detected.

See how the Anti-Rollaway solution activates through each stage of operation, from driver exit to vehicle immobilisation

When the vehicle is travelling below 10km/h or 6mph, and the park brake is not applied:

Heavy vehicle with the driver’s door open

Step 1

If the Door is Opened:

A pulsing audible alarm is activated to alert the driver that the park brake is not applied. The tonal alarm stops if the Door is closed.

Driver’s seat becoming unoccupied

Step 2

In addition, if the Driver’s seat becomes unoccupied:

The audible alarm changes to a solid tone to alert driver of rollaway;
Warning lights are displayed;
To stop the vehicle rolling away, the Park Brake is applied via either;
1. Venting air from the in-line valve assembly;
2. Pulling a cable via an actuator; or
3. Sending a CAN signal.

Park Brake Release Conditions

Once the vehicle enters this phase of activation with the Park Brakes Applied, the system will not release the park brakes until each of the following criteria are met:

The system detects that -

The driver is on the seat
The driver’s door is closed
The OEM Park Brake lever is applied.

It is not until these conditions are met that the Audible Alarm, visual flashing light on the display screen (LCD or LED) will stop and the Park Brakes release. These critical steps ensure that the vehicle is not able to move, without someone returning to, and controlling the vehicle.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Park Brake Activation Time	Under 200ms
Solution Effectiveness	Developed in 2001, with over 25,000 deployed units, Zero Rollaways on vehicles with Anti-Rollaway installed and solution is maintained, as specified.
Compatible Vehicles	Ultimately the system is designed for any vehicle with a pneumatic or mechanical park brake. This includes rigid trucks, articulated trucks, concrete agitators/mixer trucks, buses, waste collection vehicles, terminal tractors/yard trucks, haul trucks, mining service vehicles, and heavy mobile equipment.
Installation Time	6 to 8 hours per vehicle
Compliance	MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway is engineered to meet international heavy vehicle braking and accessory-fitting safety principles. The product currently holds specific regulatory certification in markets including Australia (NHVR Code G6), NZ, and the USA (FMVSS121).
Diagnostics	Continuous real-time monitoring of seat occupancy, vehicle speed, door position, and park brake status via onboard ECU. In addition, the system has inbuilt real-time diagnostic checking to confirm correct operation.
Vehicle Integration	The kits are designed to integrate seamlessly by using OEM-specific plugs, OEM-tailored bracketry and electrical harnesses. The system also connects to the CAN Bus interface to collect relevant information from the vehicle to help with detecting an unsafe situation.

System In Action

To give you a closer look at our MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System™ in action, we’ve compiled a selection of product overview and demonstration videos. These resources provide detailed visuals and real-world examples of our system.

Explore the gallery below to see the MAX-SAFE system’s features and benefits firsthand.

Over the 10-year period from 2003 to 2012, incidents that occurred while loading or unloading a vehicle accounted for 15% of truck-related fatalities (120 out of 787 deaths) in Australia.

Of those 120 fatalities during loading/unloading, 44 deaths (37%) were caused by the vehicle moving unintentionally, such as the truck driver being hit by their own vehicle, or a pedestrian being struck by the truck.

The failure to apply truck parking brakes properly is cited as a major cause of these rollaway incidents leading to injuries and fatalities.

In 2021, SafeWork Australia identified "ensuring vehicles are braked appropriately" as one of their top 7 recommendations for reducing heavy vehicle fatalities related to rollaways.

"When you see the kits, the installation and how it works in action, no driver intervention, nothing for the driver to remember, safety of the vehicle and safety of the people, it’s well worth it."

Wayne Muiznieks
Fleet Coordinator, Connetics, New Zealand

"Less than 45 minutes into day one of the trial, the system prevented what could have been a potential accident with an adult. It highlighted how close a near miss it was and how vital this type of solution was."

Jonathan Dick
General Manager Fleet & Systems, Smart Environmental, NZ

"MAX-SAFE Side View Solution provided superior VRU detection to standard side mirrors and cameras and was most beneficial to the drivers involved in the trial."

Matthew Wentman
National Fleet Manager, Cleanaway Waste Management

"We have used SGESCO-MAX products for over three years and have found them to be an innovative safety solution for our fleet vehicles and effective in achieving zero incidents in trucks reversing or accidentally rolling away."

Tony Rawson
National Fleet Category Manager, Suez Recycling & Recovery, ANZ

"There is a big need for MAX-SAFE products in New Zealand. You only hear about a roll away when there is a crash, but the number is far greater than what is reported. Recently, there was a tour bus in Auckland that rolled away and ran over a Mum and a baby. Both survived luckily, but if the bus had the MAX-SAFE device fitted this accident never would have occurred."

Gary Puklowski
Managing Director, Autokraft Electrical & Diesel Ltd

"When you go to a fire, and your adrenaline is rushing, you need to focus on the fire and what you need to do. Worrying about whether you’ve left the handbrake on or not, is the last thing on your mind."

Lenny Toscano
First Officer for the Brigade, QLD Rural Fire Service

"The MAX-SAFE Seatbelt Warning System™ optimises the safety of our clients’ most valuable asset – their employees – and Kinetics employees."

Joe Gould
Regional Manager – Workshop, Kinetic Specialised Resources

"With 99+% detection accuracy of the VRUs, Veolia has been impressed with the reliability of the new MAX-SAFE AI camera and other solutions."

Andrew Forbes
BCC Contract Operations Manager, Veolia

Know More About Our Innovative Safety Systems

SGESCO-MAX offers the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System™, an active safety solution designed to prevent vehicle rollaways caused by driver oversight. This system automatically applies the parking brake if the driver exits the vehicle without fully engaging it, thereby safeguarding personnel, property, and the vehicle itself.

Explore the resources below to learn more about our Anti-Rollaway Brake System and how it can enhance safety in your operations.

Download Brochure

Know More About Our Innovative Safety Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution activate?

If the driver exits the vehicle without fully engaging the park brake, the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution automatically applies the park brake instantaneously, preventing uncontrolled vehicle movement.

How does MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway monitor the park brake?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway continuously monitors five parameters via an onboard ECU: driver door position, park brake status, driver seat occupancy, vehicle speed (via a supplied GPS that is cross-referenced to onboard vehicle speed for accuracy), and vehicle electronic CAN data. Note: If the speed signal source is lost, the system displays a fault and alerts the operator.

What alerts are there and in what scenarios do they activate?

If the vehicle is travelling at less than 10km an hour (including zero up to 10km), and the door is open it will activate warning alerts if the part brake is not engaged
If the door is open and the driver still seated and the vehicle is stationary or at low speed, it will activate warning alerts if the part brake is not engaged
If the door is open, the seat vacated and the vehicle is stationary or low speed, it will activate warning alerts if the park brake is not engaged – AND WILL SIMULTANEOUSLY ENGAGE THE PARK BRAKE

Which vehicles are compatible with the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway system?

The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution is compatible petrol/gas, diesel, EV and hybrid trucks that utilise pneumatic or mechanical brakes. This includes rigid trucks, articulated trucks, concrete agitators/mixer trucks, buses, waste collection vehicles, terminal tractors/yard trucks, haul trucks, mining service vehicles, and heavy mobile equipment. Contact SGESCO-MAX to confirm compatibility for your specific fleet.

How reliable is MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway has a proven track record of preventing vehicle rollaway incidents caused by human error. More than 25,000 heavy vehicles operate with the system installed, with zero reported rollaway incidents where the system has been properly maintained and operated as specified.

Originally introduced in 2001 as an Australian-first solution, the system has undergone continuous development and refinement to support evolving vehicle platforms, advanced ECUs, and modern fleet safety requirements.

What industries use the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Solution?

The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution has been adopted by the following industries: waste management, civil construction, utilities, emergency services, transport and logistics and mining.

Can MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway be retrofitted?

Yes, MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution can be retrofitted into existing vehicle fleets, installed on new vehicle purchases and even incorporated at the body builder stage. By being able to be installed across an entire fleet, it gives fleet manager peace of mind that all their vehicles – and drivers – are covered.

How long does installation take?

Installation of MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution typically takes 6 to 8 hours per vehicle. The system integrates with existing vehicle mechanics with minimal disruption to fleet operations.

What maintenance does MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway require?

MAX-SAFE authorised dealers or trained internal mechanics can service and maintain the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution as part of regular service schedules according to the specified maintenance schedule.

If there is a fault in the system, how do drivers know of this?

The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway ECU has built-in logic that continuously monitors for rollaway events and system faults. If a fault is detected, the operator is alerted via the in-cab LCD screen or LED display, and the dedicated MSB Fault Light. Speed signal faults are specifically identified so the operator knows the source of the issue.

What is the Warranty for MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway?

The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway solution comes with a 12-month warranty with an extended warranty available for another 6 years, which typically aligns to 7-year vehicle lease terms.

How much does the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway cost?

Pricing varies depending on vehicle type, fleet size, and installation requirements. SGESCO-MAX provides tailored solutions to suit each application and operational environment. Contact SGESCO-MAX for a quotation.

What business savings does the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway deliver?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway helps protect vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, and surrounding property from costly rollaway incidents caused by driver oversight. By preventing vehicle movement in unsafe conditions, the system can help reduce repair costs, insurance claims and premiums, operational downtime, and associated business disruption.

The solution also supports safer working environments by helping reduce the risk of injury-related costs, workforce disruption, retraining expenses, and potential liability exposure.

Is the system National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) compliant?

Yes. The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System is designed and certified to comply with applicable National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) requirements for heavy vehicle parking brake safety.

The system has been certified under modification code G6 (Fitting of Air Operated Accessories) by appropriately qualified and approved vehicle engineering authorities in accordance with Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) requirements.

SGESCO-MAX maintains a comprehensive compliance and quality assurance process that includes:

OEM consultation during product development and integration
Independent engineering certification for design and application
Extensive testing and documented quality control procedures
Competency-based installation, operational, and maintenance support programs

Is the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway system USA FMVSS 121 compliant?

Yes. The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway Brake System is designed to integrate with heavy vehicle air brake systems in accordance with applicable FMVSS 121 requirements for air-braked commercial vehicles in the United States.

The system has been certified under sections within S5.6, S6, and S7 by appropriately qualified and approved vehicle engineering authorities in accordance with FMSVSS requirements.

SGESCO-MAX also supports compliance through OEM consultation, engineering validation, documented quality assurance processes, and application-specific installation procedures.

What happens if the MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway system malfunctions?

The MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway system is designed with fail-safe logic. In the event of a system fault, the system defaults to a safe state. The onboard ECU continuously monitors system health and alerts the operator to any fault condition via the dashboard display. Contact SGESCO-MAX or an authorised dealer for service if a fault is detected.

Does MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway affect the vehicle's existing braking system or OEM warranty?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway is designed to integrate with a vehicle's existing park brake system without modifying core braking components in ways that would void OEM warranties. Installation is completed by SGESCO-MAX authorised technicians in accordance with OEM requirements, applicable country Regulations and Standards. Fleet operators should confirm specific OEM warranty conditions with their vehicle manufacturer.

Is MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway suitable for electric and hybrid heavy vehicles?

Yes. MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway is compatible with diesel, electric (EV), hybrid, and gas-powered heavy vehicles that have pneumatic park brakes. The system integrates via CAN Bus interface, making it adaptable to modern vehicle platforms.

Can MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway be monitored or managed remotely as part of a fleet telematics system?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway includes onboard diagnostics that can be integrated with fleet telematics and management platforms. Contact SGESCO-MAX to discuss integration options for your specific fleet management system.

What training is required for drivers and fleet managers after installation?

SGESCO-MAX provides competency-based training for drivers, fleet managers, and maintenance personnel as part of the installation and onboarding process. Our on-line training covers correct system operation, alert responses, release procedures, and fault identification.

Does MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway support compliance with workplace health and safety obligations?

Yes. MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway is a documented engineering control that supports duty-of-holder obligations under workplace health and safety legislation, including obligations to eliminate or minimise rollaway risks at the workplace. The system provides auditable evidence of a proactive safety control, which is relevant to WHS/OHS and NHVR compliance, insurance requirements, and incident reporting.

Where is MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway manufactured and supported?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway is an Australian-developed solution, designed and manufactured by SGESCO-MAX. The system is supported through an international network of authorised distributors and dealers and service agents globally.

How does MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway prevent false activations at speed?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway monitors vehicle speed via a supplied GPS source and simultaneously cross-references with the vehicle speed source to confirm they are active and within a precisely defined tolerance of each other. This multi-source approach ensures the system cannot activate when the vehicle is travelling above 10km/h, meeting the NHVR Modification Code G6 requirement for additional brake application systems. If the GPS source speed signal source is lost, the system immediately displays a fault and identifies the specific source to the operator.

Once MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway applies the park brake, how is it released?

Once MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway has applied the park brake in response to a rollaway scenario, the system will not release the brakes until three conditions are confirmed: the driver has returned to the seat, the driver's door is closed, and the OEM park brake has been manually engaged by the driver. Only when all three criteria are met will the audible alarm stop, the visual warning clear, and the park brakes release. This deliberate release sequence ensures the vehicle cannot be moved without an operator physically in control of it.

What is the difference between the warning phase and the brake engagement phase?

MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway operates in two distinct phases. In the warning phase, if the vehicle is below 10km/h, the door is open, and the park brake is not applied, the system activates a pulsing audible alarm to prompt the driver to engage the park brake — without applying the brake automatically. In the engagement phase, if the driver then exits the seat without engaging the park brake, the system escalates to a solid-tone alarm, activates warning lights, and automatically applies the park brake. This two-stage design ensures drivers receive a meaningful warning before the system intervenes, reducing disruption while maintaining safety.

Is MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway compatible with vehicles that have already been modified or upfitted?

Yes. MAX-SAFE Anti-Rollaway can be installed on vehicles that have already been modified, upfitted, or body-built, as well as during the body builder stage on new vehicles. Installation kits are vehicle-specific, and SGESCO-MAX works with fleet operators to confirm compatibility and the appropriate installation approach for each vehicle configuration. Contact SGESCO-MAX to discuss your fleet's specific requirements.