ABS - or is it Pure BS

From: Merle K. Peirce <at258_at_osfn.org>
Date: Mon Apr 5 21:51:11 1999

One problem is that driving technique with ABS working is entirely
different from ABS not working. Switching approaches can be
disconcerting, and potentially dangerous.

On Mon, 5 Apr 1999, Ward D.
Griffiths III wrote:

> On Mon, 5 Apr 1999, Buck Savage wrote:
>
> > > 2) even if the ABS system fails it still works just like non-ABS
> > > brakes. unless >the vacuum (power assisted) system fails or the brake
> > > line is cut, or (very unlikely) the piston sticks open, the brakes
> > > will work just fine.
>
> > ABS - American Bull Shi...
>
> > I have noted one difficulty with ABS, and that is its failure to
> > operate on snow and ice. Since I live in Southern California, I do
> > not get that much snow but, in any quick application of my Mustang's
> > breaks, on snow covered roads, they always seem to lock up. Well, the
> > pumping action occurs but, at each application of the pump, I notice
> > wheel lock-up. There is no stopping.
>
> Yah. Try a proper skid pad with ABS. You'll wind up 270 degrees from
> where you were being trained to go. If you're lucky. Did my skid pad
> training at Sears Point in the 70s. I don't want a machine second
> guessing my judgement when I'm about to die. (If I fuck up, OK, I fuck
> up. I don't want to guess right and die anyway! Born and raised in
> Los Angeles, I had my initial driver training during a nasty winter in
> New Hampshire -- I know how to handle a skid, and ABS systems don't
> have a clue where the steering wheel is pointing -- a programming task
> for the current generation, at least those who didn't learn physics
> from Star Wars and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers).
> --
> Ward Griffiths
> "the timid die just like the daring; and if you don't take the plunge then
> you'll just take the fall" Michael Longcor
>
>

M. K. Peirce
Rhode Island Computer Museum, Inc.
215 Shady Lea Road,
North Kingstown, RI 02852

"Casta est qui nemo rogavit."
              
              - Ovid
Received on Mon Apr 05 1999 - 21:51:11 BST