Fact Sheet

By the end of the year 2000, about one in three passenger vehicles in the United States and Canada were equipped with anti-lock braking systems(ABS).

ABS was first developed and patented in 1936 and is derived from the German term antiblockierysystem.

Anti-lock braking systems have sensors near each wheel which monitor rotational speed to determine when the wheels are about to lose traction and lock. The electronic control unit monitors these signals and sends commands to the hydraulic control unit to modulate brake pressure in order to prevent wheel lock.

ABS pumps the brakes at a rate of up to 18 times per second, allowing drivers to maintain some steering ability.