ABS - or is it Pure BS

From: Don Maslin <donm_at_cts.com>
Date: Mon Apr 5 23:14:35 1999

On Mon, 5 Apr 1999, Dwight Elvey wrote:

________O/_______
        O\
 

> I think people miss the point here. First, nothing short
> of retro rockets will slow you fast on snow and ice. The
> best rule here is "SLOW DOWN". Even rainy or dew slick
> roads reduce traction a lot. ABS' generally do much better
> on ice and snow than can be done manually. Yes, they generally
> lock and on lock but it is much better than complete lock
> as all but a trained expert would do under such conditions.
> I'm not all that great a fan of ABS but I think for anyone
> not trained in skid control, it will do better than most
> people would do. Skid training is something that has to
> be learned as an automatic reaction. It requires regular
> refreshing to keep the skill in tune. It can't be learned
> by reading a book, it must be experienced.
> ABS will not do magic, it will in most conditions give
> one a better chance than they would normally have. It won't
> make up for foolish drivers.
> IMHO
> Dwight
>
 
I generally agree with your comments about 'skid control' which must
be learned so well that it becomes a conditioned reflex. And that is
somewhat difficult in that the proper reaction to a rear wheel skid is
exactly the opposite of a front wheel skid.

However, I think that you mix apples and oranges when you negate the
desirability of ABS if you are 'skid conditioned'. ABS will certainly
make you stop in a lesser distance and will also minimize the tendency to
skid. Nothing will preclude skidding under some conditions except
parking the vehicle, but ABS is a distinct benefit under most
circumstances for most drivers.

Here in Southern California where we will probably have a fender bender
when anyone empties their Thermos on the pavement, or - heaven help us -
if it showers the freeway becomes an auto wrecking yard, we need not only
ABS but a liberal dose of that uncommon faculty mistakenly called common
sense! Drive slower and keep your distance.

                                                 - don
Received on Mon Apr 05 1999 - 23:14:35 BST