NHTSA LIGHT VEHICLE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM RESEARCH PROGRAM TASK 4: A TEST TRACK STUDY OF LIGHT VEHICLE ABS PERFORMANCE OVER A BROAD RANGE OF SURFACES AND MANEUVERS

Numerous crash data statistical analyses conducted over the past few years suggest that, for automobiles, the introduction of four-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS) has produced net safety benefits much lower than originally expected. The studies indicate the apparent increase in single-vehicle crashes involving passenger cars equipped with four-wheel ABS almost completely offsets the safety advantage such vehicles have over their conventionally-braked counterparts. The braking performance of nine high production passenger vehicles was evaluated in eighteen stopping situations. These situations were comprised of various road surfaces, driver steering actions, and vehicle speeds. Testing was performed with lightly and heavily laden vehicles, with the ABS active and disabled, and used two brake pedal application techniques. The selected vehicles included at least one ABS from each of the eight current, major, ABS manufacturers. This study found that for most stopping maneuvers on most surfaces, ABS-assisted full pedal brake application stops were shorter than those made with the ABS disabled. The one systematic exception was on loose gravel where stopping distances increased by an average of 27.2% overall. Additionally, the vehicular stability during testing was almost always superior with the assistance of ABS. For the cases in which instability was observed, ABS was not deemed responsible for its occurrence. Based on results to date, the authors of this study believe ABS braking performance deficiencies are not responsible for the apparent increase in ABS-equipped, single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crashes.

• Record URL:
  https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/21000/21800/21837/PB99143992.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  Vehicle Research and Test Center, P.O. Box 37
  East Liberty, OH  United States  43319
• Authors:
  • FORKENBROCK, G J
  • FLICK, M
  • GARROTT, W R
• Publication Date: 1999-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 67 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Antilock brake systems; Automobiles; Braking performance; Ran off road crashes; Ship dynamic stability; Single vehicle crashes; Speed; Steering; Stopping distances; Surface course (Pavements); Vehicle tests
• Subject Areas: Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00765914
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-808 875,, Final Report
• Files: HSL, NTL, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jul 12 1999 12:00AM