In railroad terminology, an emergency brake application, or “emergency brake,” is a braking maneuver employed on a train when an immediate stop is required to prevent a collision, derailment or other serious accident. Emergency brakes are typically applied by pulling a lever or cord located in the locomotive cab or passenger cars. Pulling the lever or cord activates a valve that releases compressed air from the train’s brake line. The loss of air pressure causes the brake shoes to engage with the wheels, creating friction that slows and stops the train.
Emergency brakes are an essential safety feature on trains, and they have helped to prevent countless accidents over the years. However, emergency brakes can also be dangerous if they are not used properly. If an emergency brake is applied too suddenly, it can cause the train to derail. Additionally, emergency brakes can be ineffective if the train is traveling at a high speed.
