Anti-lock braking systems, on 80% of new vehicles sold last year, are losing the support of regulators and some automakers, according to a report in USA Today. The latest government and insurance industry data show ABS doesn’t appear to be increasing the number of crash deaths, a concern five years ago. But the research also doesn’t show any overall lifesaving benefits from the devices.
Many safety experts who have seen ABS’ skid-reducing benefits on test tracks ã or benefited from the systems personally ã still swear by it. But the lack of proof that it saves lives is influencing regulators. When it argued against ABS for the tire rule, the agency cited its own research and a 2002 insurance industry study of claims data that said ABS didn’t reduce the overall risk of fatal crashes.
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