For immediate release
April 23, 1999
ABS PR 1-99

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ABS EDUATION ALLIANCE OFFERS
FREE, SPANISH-LANGUAGE DRIVER SAFETY TOOLS

Leading Manufacturers of Anti-Lock Braking Systems Aim to Educate More Drivers With Translated Automotive Safety Brochure and Toll-Free Number

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – The ABS Education Alliance is making information on the proper use of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) available in Spanish so more drivers have access to critical automotive safety material. Spanish-speaking drivers can now phone the Alliance’s toll-free safety information line at 800/ABS-8958 to hear a Spanish-language version of tips on braking with ABS. Through the information line, drivers can also order a free, Spanish-language brochure containing additional tips, such as "The ABCs of ABS" and DOs and DON’Ts for braking with ABS.

The ABS Difference

Anti-lock braking systems began gaining popularity on cars and trucks sold in North America during the mid ’80s. ABS is designed to help drivers steer to safety during emergency or panic stop situations. However, many drivers of ABS-equipped vehicles do not realize that techniques for braking with ABS in these situations differ from methods used with conventional braking systems.

"It is important for all drivers to become familiar with how to brake with ABS, whether their cars are ABS-equipped or not," said Rosemarie Kitchin, director of the ABS Education Alliance. "For example, when drivers are behind the wheel of a rented or borrowed vehicle, they first need to determine if the vehicle is equipped with rear-wheel or four-wheel ABS and then use the proper technique for the braking system of that car. The Alliance is now offering our educational materials in Spanish to help more drivers become aware of these important lessons for safe driving with ABS."

ABS DOs and DON’Ts

The Alliance’s toll-free information line and educational brochure highlight DOs and DON’Ts for driving with ABS, such as:

• DO keep your foot on the brake during emergency stopping situations. Maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake while steering to enable four-wheel ABS to work properly.
• DO practice driving with ABS in an empty parking lot or other open area. Practicing helps drivers become accustomed to pulsations or noises that may occur when ABS is activated.
• DON’T drive an ABS-equipped vehicle more aggressively than vehicles without ABS.
• DON’T pump the brakes during a panic or sudden stop. ABS pumps the brakes for you automatically, at a much faster rate, and allows better steering control.

The ABS Education Alliance is a non-profit educational coalition of the leading manufacturers of anti-lock braking systems: Robert Bosch Corp., Delphi Automotive Systems, Continental Teves, and LucasVarity Automotive. With more than 67 million ABS-equipped vehicles on North American roads today, the Alliance aims to educate all new and experienced drivers on the proper use of this important safety feature.

For more information about ABS, visit the ABS Education Alliance website,

www.abs-education.org, or call 800/ABS-8958.

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