Safety Technology: ABS

Anti-lock braking (ABS) is a very good safety system to aid the driver, especially when needing to both steer and brake at the same time in an emergency.  The first ABS systems were first developed for aircraft in 1929, since the 1970s, one of the most well known companies associated with the development of ABS technology is the German firm, Bosch. 

Because ABS is considered a primary safety feature of a car’s design, all new cars have had ABS fitted following a European Union mandate that came into force in July 2004.  The ABS concept is quite simple. The ABS system continuously monitor’s the vehicle’s brake system and prevents the wheels from locking regardless of the road conditions and tyre grip. The vehicle remains steerable, even in the event of very heavy braking, for instance on bends or when swerving to avoid an obstacle.  In the case of full-on braking, the ABS makes it still possible to drive round an obstacle without releasing the brakes.

When the ABS system is in operation the driver will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal; this comes from the rapid opening and closing of the electronically controlled valves. For optimum braking, the driver must brake hard, keeping firm pressure on despite the fact that the pedal is pulsating.  The clutch should be pressed down simultaneously.  Once stopped, the handbrake should be applied, if necessary and then the driver should ensure that it is safe on both sides of the car before moving away.

ABS is one of the car’s primary safety features. Such features may subconsciously encourage some drivers to adopt a more high risk driving style.  This is a very serious mistake.  No matter how good an ABS system is, the car is still subject to the laws of motion and other boundaries of physics.  Do not let this special safety feature tempt you into taking risks when driving.  Traffic safety can only be achieved by adopting and maintaining a fully responsible driving style.