What is a Dead Man''s Switch? (with picture) wiseGEEK
#0183;#32;You may also hear a dead man''s switch referred to as a kill switch, dead man''s handle, dead man''s brake, or dead man''s control. In the case of a machine that is used to transport large amounts of people or cargo, the switch is commonly linked with a data recorder, so that in the event of an accident, investigators can determine whether or not the safety feature worked as it should have.