California Led the Way... Sort Of

      The impetus to develop truck-stopping technology predates the attacks of 9-11. Eight months earlier, in January 2001, a truckload driver with a history of mental illness drove his truck into the California State House in Sacramento.
      The government of California looked into the issue and came up with a curious device that would mount on the rear of subject trailers at approximately car-bumper level.
      When a pursuing vehicle bumped into the device, a blade would sever an airline in the trailer, causing the brakes to lock. This gizmo - ultimately rejected - was demonstrated for the press and taken very seriously by California public safety officials.
      Wireless remote options seem tame in comparison.