From AAIA Capital Report

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Aug. 26 the publication of a report evaluating the crash-reducing effectiveness of anti-lock braking (ABS) technologies for passenger cars and pickup trucks, SUVs and vans. The report found that the long-term overall effect of ABS on fatal crash involvements is close to zero. The report discusses how instead of working to prevent certain types of crashes, run-off-road crashes have been on the rise with ABS-equipped vehicles. This finding remains at odds with the impressive performance of ABS on the test track, especially on wet roads. According to the report, "We are still unable to provide a convincing explanation or empirical evidence for the increase in run-off-road crashes." 

However, the report found that the overall effect of ABS on all crash involvements, including non-fatal ones, is beneficial showing a reduction of 6 percent in cars and 8 percent in light-duty trucks and vans. The report also found that combining ABS with electronic stability control (ESC) prevents a significant proportion of fatal and non-fatal crashes. All passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. will be required to be equipped with ESC after Sept. 1, 2011.

Comments on the report must be submitted to NHTSA no later than Dec. 24, 2009. For a copy of the report, click here.