SAFETY BRAKE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR SAFETY BRAKING OF AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE

Disclosed herein is a safety brake device (1) and method for safety braking using an hydraulic brake system (2) including hydraulic wheel brakes (3) of an autonomous vehicle (4), the autonomous vehicle (4)further having an electrical power supply and signaling system (5) for enabling an autonomous drive mode. The method comprises: pressurizing a pressure storage canister (6) containing brake fluid; monitoring electrical power supplies and signaling of the autonomous vehicle (4); and releasing brake fluid into the hydraulic brake system (2) of the autonomous vehicle (4) to activate the wheel brakes (3) thereof upon determining loss of at least one of electrical power and signaling of the autonomous vehicle (4). Disclosed herein is also an autonomous vehicle (4) comprising a safety brake device (1) for performing the method.