On behalf of Judy Albanese of Gold, Albanese, Barletti & Locascio, LLC posted in Car Accidents on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Most New Jersey automobiles are equipped with antilock braking systems, and for good reason. ABS helps vehicles stop faster and safer while reducing the risk of skidding and helping drivers keep their steering control during emergency situations. Interestingly, antilock brakes have been around since 1936, but it is only during the last couple of decades that they have become prevalent on the roadways in the United States. Still, a lot of drivers do not know how to safely use their ABS-equipped cars.

Before ABS was popular, drivers were taught to pump their brakes during fast, emergency braking. However, with cars that have ABS, this technique will actually cause cars to brake less efficiently. With ABS equipped vehicles, drivers are encouraged to press the brake pedal firmly, steer their cars normally, and only let their foot off the brake pedal after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Pumping the brakes is not advised even if pulsating sensations are felt through brake pedal. These pulsing sensations are normal and it means that the ABS is working as it is supposed to.

It is important that drivers recognize when their ABS has engaged and to not be startled by it. For this reason, drivers should practice stopping their cars quickly so that they can recognize what the ABS feels like. This way, they will remember to maintain continual brake pressure during an emergency situation.

It is not unheard of for an ABS to fail and result in a serious car accident. If injuries or death result from this kind of car accident, injured parties and/or deceased victims’ families may wish to investigate whether the ABS failed due to manufacturer defects. In such cases, a defective product claim against the manufacturer might be warranted.

Source: J.D. Power, “ABS Driving Techniques,” Jeff Youngs, accessed April 08, 2016