Comparison of the Braking Performance Achieved by Average Drivers in Vehicles with Standard and Anti Wheel Lock Brake Systems

77 average drivers selected from various age groups had to carry out 5 controlled driving tests simulating driving manoeuvres with a high accident risk element. The manoeuvres being carried out with two identical vehicles, one with standard conventional brakes and the other with an ABS installed. The investigation had to show the extent by which the average driver is able to exploit the increasing steering and braking controllability given by an ABS braking system. The ABS proved to be an advantage to the average driver in all 5 manoeuvres. Relatively few average drivers are able, without ABS, to achieve the necessary balance for high deceleration in cirumstances such as braking in a curve or braking on split μ surfaces. An ABS system enables a much higher proportion of average drivers to maintain vehicles control under adverse conditions.