Corrected entry: Biker disconnected the red (emergency) line which governs the trailer spring brakes. As soon as that glad hand came off the trailer the trailer brakes should have applied, fully bringing that rig to a stop.
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Correction: You are correct about the spring brakes engaging if the supply line gladhand is removed, but there are a couple of things that might make this possible. If the trailer was manufactured before 1976, the spring brakes do not operate the same way as newer systems. If the trailer is before the CVSS requirements, it is possible for the brakes to not apply, because they were not spring loaded. Also, the trailer brakes could have been caged, which would leave the trailer with no brakes at all. The trailer protection valve would still allow the tractor to move once it closed when the air pressure dropped far enough.
rswarrior