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Related Experiment Videos

The antilock braking system anomaly: a drinking driver problem?

David W Harless1, George E Hoffer

  • 1Department of Economics, Virginia Commonwealth, University, Richmond 23284, USA. dwharles@vcu.edu

Accident; Analysis and Prevention
|April 10, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Antilock braking systems (ABS) reduce harm to others but initially increased occupant fatalities. This "ABS anomaly" is largely explained by improper operation, particularly by drinking drivers, and diminishes as vehicles age.

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Area of Science:

  • Road safety
  • Vehicle dynamics
  • Accident analysis

Background:

  • Antilock braking systems (ABS) were expected to improve road safety by reducing stopping distances and maintaining steering control.
  • Previous studies indicated ABS benefited non-occupants but paradoxically increased occupant fatality risk, a phenomenon termed the 'ABS anomaly'.
  • The anomaly showed significant attenuation in more recent analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes of the ABS anomaly.
  • To test hypotheses including risk compensation and improper operation.
  • To determine factors influencing the ABS anomaly over vehicle service life.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of fatal crash data involving vehicles with and without ABS.
  • Comparison of crash involvement rates for occupants and non-occupants.

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  • Stratification of data by driver behavior (e.g., alcohol impairment) and vehicle age.

    • Main Results:

    • The ABS anomaly, where occupant fatality risk increased, was strongly linked to impaired drivers.
    • The anomaly was primarily observed in newer vehicles (first 3-4 years of service).
    • The protective effect of ABS for non-occupants remained consistent.

    Conclusions:

    • Improper operation, especially by drinking drivers, is a significant factor explaining the ABS anomaly.
    • The ABS anomaly diminishes with vehicle age and experience.
    • ABS technology's overall safety benefit is confirmed, but driver behavior significantly impacts its effectiveness.