Without knowing the exact model of truck, and the circumstances, it is very difficult to make any specific comments.

However, I would agree that this appears to be down to driver error. Narrow aisle trucks are intended to be used in racking and therefore predominantly straight line travel. Hyster trucks all have owners and operators guides supplied with them which provides information on the operation and maintenance of trucks.

Also, on electric vehicles, th emain form of braking is by retardation of the drive motor.
The deadman brake efficiency is dependant upon how well maintained. Stopping distance will obviously be proportional to speed and load but even when properly adjusted and fully operational, such brakes will not stop the vehicle.

I think this supports the comments made elsewhere in this Forum on the safe operation of forklifts and the almost immediate criticism of th eproduct as opposed to the work practices.