Originally posted by RoadRunner:
Originally posted by Contouraholic:
I find it interesting that Mercedes has added some programming to add full brake application pressure to emergency braking (via the ABS pump) because some people with ABS aren't pushing the peddle hard enough. Even ABS takes a little skill.
This is because the people who own vehicles with ABS, aren't told by their dealers
that they NEED to practice stopping with the ABS system in their cars,
to become accustomed to how it feels.
They are still pumping the pedal, like the old braking system !
When I worked at a Buick Dealer, we would take the customers out to a big and emtpy parking lot
and let them feel what ABS activation felt like.
If you NEVER have an emergency stop,
and you NEVER have any experience
using the equipment you have,
then how can you use it safely ?
Invoking ABS training should be part of a defensive driving course,
as well as delivery of an ABS equipped vehicle.
I agree the dealers don't explain operation of the car, but, there is an owners manual on a new car. I read mine!
Plus, I go to empty parking lots, deserted areas and explore the cars limits in a safe way. I don't like discovering the handling quirks of a car when I am in the middle of avoiding contact with a jack-knifing tractor trailer.
There are a lot of crutches for people who don't want to take a little responsibility for their life. Air bags are an example. If we really wanted crash protection, H harnesses will do quite nicely, but our world needs passive devices because so many are too lazy to buckle up. Air bags are dangerous to children, but people put their kids in the front seat despite all the warnings. You ever see the warnings on a hair dryer? don't use under water, don't use while asleep....
We design products more and more for morons (a little alliteration there):D)
Oh well, I guess I am glad some people have ABS because they don't know how to work the brakes. !
