Antilock braking systems (ABS) have been around for many years, and most newer vehicles have them on at least two tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s important to understand whether or not your car has ABS and how to use the system if it does. Knowing how to operate your antilock brakes properly can help you stop the car safely in emergency conditions and prevent an accident.
Traditional brakes pose the risk of locking up when applied sharply or when the vehicle is traveling on a slippery surface, like snow, ice, or water. When brakes lock up, the driver loses the ability to steer safely. Prior to ABS, drivers had to pump the brake pedal manually to keep brakes from locking up and to keep control of the vehicle.
With ABS, the vehicle automatically “pumps” the brakes to prevent lockup, monitoring the wheels constantly and moving much faster than a human being can. Drivers with ABS systems should not pump the brake pedal, but hold it firmly and consistently while they focus on steering out of the emergency situation, according to the NHTSA.
To learn whether or not your vehicle has ABS, check your owner’s manual. Some vehicles are equipped with antilock brakes on all four tires, and some are only equipped on the rear tires, which can lead to loss of steering control in the front, so it’s important to check which of your vehicle’s tires have the system.
Antilock brakes are one safety feature that can help you avoid accidents, but no safety feature can prevent other drivers from acting negligently. If you’re injured in an accident, call a well-trained Renton car crash lawyer at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.A. today at (888) 228-3860 for a free consultation.
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