Abstract
Rear-end crashes are a common crash scenario, which contribute to many traffic related injuries and fatalities. A performance driving center offers adult car control classes focused on defensive driving skills, which include both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction on a closed-road course. One focus of the class is activation of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which was designed to help drivers during emergency braking situations. In the classroom, participants learn what ABS is as well as how and when it functions. On the closed-road course, participants learn how to activate ABS and how the system feels when it is activated. The goal of this study was to understand how knowledge of and experience with ABS prior to the class relates to a driver’s ability to activate ABS. The participants’ ability to activate ABS was evaluated by the driving instructor using a behaviorally anchored rating scale. Participants completed a survey before and after the class to gain knowledge of and experience with ABS. The results of the study showed that participants who previously knew what ABS felt like or had prior practice/training activating ABS performed significantly better activating ABS than those who simply knew what ABS means or had previously experienced ABS activation during their first of multiple attempts.
Highlights
Traffic crashes are one of the primary causes of injuries and fatalities around the world [1]
Seventy-nine participants ranging in age from 18 to 78 years with an average age of 45, were recruited from car control classes that focused on defensive driving skills, with classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction on a closed-road course from professional driving instructors
During the behindthe-wheel instruction, anti-lock braking system (ABS) activation was rated by the instructors using a 1–5 behaviorally anchored rating scale focusing on the driver’s ability to activate ABS, where a rating of 1 indicated no ABS activation and 5 indicated that ABS was fully activated throughout the entire stop
Summary
Traffic crashes are one of the primary causes of injuries and fatalities around the world [1]. As technology has advanced over time, the capabilities of vehicles have evolved over time This shift has been observed in braking technology, where brakes serve to stop the vehicle, and to assist the driver during emergency braking situations. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) was developed to assist drivers during panic braking by preventing skidding or loss of control caused by locked wheels or a wheel that cannot rotate and is sliding [3]. Drivers often had a difficult time pumping the pedal at the correct frequency, which if performed incorrectly can cause the vehicle’s wheels to lock and the driver to lose control of steering and braking of the vehicle. ABS automated this action for the driver by holding and releasing the brakes, which optimizes the brake pressure and prevents the wheels from locking and skidding. A benefit of ABS activation is the driver remains in control of the braking and can steer the vehicle [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
