@davidnunn posted:Doug, Tesla's do not have emergency brakes but they are not unusual in this regard. Most cars are now using EPB's and no longer have emergency brakes. I'm sure the manufacturers (and perhaps even D.O.T.) would argue that emergency brakes and manually actuated parking brakes cause more accidents than they prevent. A manual parking brake requires some expertise to be used as an emergency brake. If the operator applies too much rear brake, a loss of directional control is the likely result. Also, the chances of a simultaneous failure of the front and rear brake hydraulic circuits is probably nil.
I'm sure most jurisdictions have regulations that make removing or modifying any safety device illegal; however, many modifications we make to our Panteras violate such regulations. Aftermarket seat belts, steering wheels, fiberglass bumpers, brake master cylinders, proportioning valves or even Wilwood brake kits likely violate these regulations, as would the removal of the OEM pressure reducing valve in the front brake circuit.
I have no argument with you on the logic of your above statement.
I have an EPB on my Fusion. It works as the Tesla would and in addition is tied to a hill holding feature and Park assist. How the park assist feature works, I'm not sure but often when starting to move from a parked stop on a hill, The brake release is sharp and causes a jolt.
This new newfangled electronic gizmos stuff is new to me.
NY State Safety inspections on the Pantera are always a "trip" since no inspector that I know of knows WTF he's looking at anyway.
For instance, I have an oxygen sensor plumbed into one of the header collectors of the 180s and I put it on a 90 degree fitting for better clearance.
Don't you know the inspector says "you just failed, that's illegal"? I had to explain to him what it was for and the car was not subject to emissions regulations involving exhausts. It's kind of a PITA as well also since they get pissed it's only a $12.50 sticker.
I have learned to remove the oxygen sensor entirely before the inspection and put a plug in it. For $12,50, they don't want to argue whether or not the car should have an air pump for the exhausts....usually.