General Knowledge · Antilock Braking Systems
What does antilock braking system (ABS) actually do for a driver?
1.It helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, so the driver keeps steering controlCorrect answer
2.It shortens the vehicle's overall stopping distance, so following distance can safely be reduced somewhat
3.It automatically steers the vehicle around any obstacle that appears during hard braking
4.It increases the vehicle's maximum safe operating speed rating out on the open highway
Explanation
ABS helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking so the driver retains steering control, which is exactly the "loss of brakes" emergency-procedure knowledge named in 49 CFR 383.111(a)(3)(ii); the paragraph names the topic area but not what the system does, so this is standard driver-training content, attributed to the manual. The wrong options each claim a benefit ABS does not provide: it does not shorten stopping distance, does not steer the vehicle, and has no effect on a vehicle's speed rating, three common misconceptions worth correcting directly.
Source: 49 CFR 383.111(a)(3)(ii)
Related Antilock Braking Systems questions
- Under federal regulation, which of these vehicles must have antilock brakes (ABS) installed?
- What does federal regulation require of trailers manufactured on or after March 1, 1998, regarding antilock brakes?
- How should a driver apply the brakes on a vehicle equipped with ABS?
- If a vehicle's ABS malfunction lamp stays on after starting the engine, what should the driver do?