Consider this. This is only for the 1% of the population who's braking stills are better than ABS in low traction situations. For the other 99% either we are not braking effective enough to beat ABS on overall stopping distance. OR we are going down do to loss of traction and when we finally stop skidding across the pavement it will still be a longer stopping distance that ABS would have provided. Unless of course we get some assistance from a guard rail, tree or other such assistance. Its not just the physics of the way the system works, by allowing the tire to continue to roll. Not allowing the tire to continue to roll means crashing. Whether it be by Electronic ABS or my friggin awesome braking skills, something has to control the braking to prevent a crash. And in this case the electronic version simply works too well. Far better than 99% of us will ever be no matter how much we practice. 2003 Concours, 56K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htmConsider that when ABS kicks in it usually increases total stopping distance. It's just physics of the way the system works. it prevents wheel lock up by allowing it to continue to roll. Shorter braking distances will be attained if proper braking technique is used as to NOT have the ABS kick in.
Sure, but this only addresses crashing due to overbraking/tire skid. What about crashing due to extended braking distance due to poor braking technique or allowing ABS to do its thing? I am curious if anyone knows how much extra braking distance activated ABS adds to a 60 - 0 quick stop. Please do not get me wrong. I think ABS is great stuff... especially in combination with good braking skills. Yes, I am also one of "those" who practice braking, swerving, etc. -- Steve Smith, COG #3184 COG Northeast Area Director (somewhere in south central CT)Its not just the physics of the way the system works, by allowing the tire to continue to roll. Not allowing the tire to continue to roll means crashing. Whether it be by Electronic ABS or my friggin awesome braking skills, something has to control the braking to prevent a crash.
Lets try a different approach. Do you believe that with just a little bit of practice, that you can out brake ABS in all possible conditions. Not just straight line dry pavement, but wet pavement, while turning, leaves, gravel etc. I will agree that if you can brake perfectly every time, in every one of these situations, then YES its entirely possbile that the extended braking distance that ABS gave over the perfect braking distance is the different between stopping short of the obstacle and hitting the obstacle. However I sumbit that 99% of us are simply are NOT that good. If the extra distance ABS added is the difference between hitting and stopping short, then I submit you were going to crash anyways. ABS did not cause the crash. You were going to crash anyways. Either from over braking and loosing control. Or from the extended distance your even quite good braking skills will have provided. Because IMO you simply are not good enough. ABS will have done better than you. Unless you are that rare 1%. AND that is even of you do practice. 2003 Concours, 56K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htmSure, but this only addresses crashing due to overbraking/tire skid. What about crashing due to extended braking distance due to poor braking technique or allowing ABS to do its thing? I am curious if anyone knows how much extra braking distance activated ABS adds to a 60 - 0 quick stop.