| Most cars made today have an anti-lock braking | | | | impending brake lock. The computer then directs |
| system, or ABS, built in to assist the driver in | | | | braking power away from the wheel, which then |
| safely braking the car. It prevents the car's | | | | turns faster before being clamped again by the |
| wheels from locking up, making braking in most | | | | brake. The genius of the ABS is that this process |
| situations easier and decreasing the overall time | | | | is continuous; the average anti-lock braking |
| required to brake. ABS is one of the most | | | | system can perform this process 20 times every |
| important and frequently used safety systems in | | | | second. |
| your car, and you may be relying on it to save | | | | History |
| your life without knowing it. | | | | Anti-lock braking was first used on airplanes, |
| Brake Lock | | | | where traditional braking is impossible. This system |
| Brake lock is a serious problem which occurs | | | | was developed in the late 1920s. The process |
| when the brakes cause the wheels to stop | | | | was adapted to cars by the 1950s, when it |
| spinning entirely, which can cause the car to skid | | | | became common on several top-level racing cars. |
| uncontrollably. It is very dangerous, and can result | | | | The ability to brake more efficiently and therefore |
| in serious injury or even death, depending on the | | | | effectively was a serious advantage to the |
| circumstances. Locking brakes are especially | | | | Formula 1 cars of the early 1960s. |
| dangerous on slippery surfaces. Anti-lock braking | | | | But it wasn't until 1971 that the first cars with an |
| systems work to prevent this locking from | | | | actual computer-controlled system were |
| occurring. | | | | developed. Chrysler released its 1971 Imperial. |
| How Does ABS Work? | | | | Since then, the mechanics and computers involved |
| The anti-lock braking system is controlled by a | | | | have become more elaborate and technical, and |
| central computer system with sensors hooked up | | | | the system is more reliable than ever. |
| to all four wheels on your car. When you apply | | | | If you have been in an accident caused by a |
| your foot to the brake pedal, the computer | | | | faulty ABS, you may be entitled to financial |
| begins to measure the speed of all four wheels. If | | | | compensation. To learn more, visit the Stevens |
| it senses that one of the wheels is rotating | | | | Point accident lawyers of Habush Habush & |
| significantly slower than the others - a sign of | | | | Rottier, S.C., today. |