ABS Education Alliance 'Skid Pad Challenge'
7 April 1998
ABS Education Alliance Puts N.I.U. Students to the Test With 'Skid Pad Challenge'
More Than 225 Northern Illinois University Students Learn Crucial Braking and
Steering Techniques
DEKALB, Ill., April 7 -- For the first time at any college in
the nation, the ABS Education Alliance -- a non-profit coalition representing
U.S. anti-lock braking system (ABS) manufacturers -- launched a three-day
education blitz at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Illinois.
Culminating on Friday, April 3, the ABS "Study Brakes" program peaked when
more than 225 students set aside the books to step behind the wheel and test
their braking and steering skills on a 25-by-100 feet water-slicked skid pad.
The program was designed to bring NIU students up-to-speed on the proper use
and benefits of ABS in emergency stopping situations.
With an estimated 57 million ABS-equipped vehicles now on U.S. roads, the
Alliance is out to ensure that NIU's student population is well versed in
making the most of this important safety feature. In cars equipped with
special ABS on and off switches, students had the opportunity to feel the
difference first-hand. Under the supervision of an ABS engineer, students
accelerated to pace of 35mph and were instructed to make a sudden stop. Cars
without ABS skidded out of control while cars with ABS in operation stopped
safely.
"Many drivers, young and old, don't know how to properly operate ABS
because they don't know the fundamental difference between conventional
braking systems and ABS," says Alliance spokesperson Rosemarie Kitchin. "In
emergency stopping situations, conventional brakes require drivers to pump the
brake pedal if the wheels start to lock and steer into the skid if they start
to slide. With ABS, all you have to do is brake firmly and steer precisely
clear of hazards.
Three Day "Study Brakes" Program Reached Out To More Than 1,500 Students
On Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2, the Alliance was stationed on
the NIU campus at a special booth located at the Holmes Student Center.
Alliance representatives raised awareness for the Friday Skid Pad Challenge
and distributed complimentary "Road Trip Kits" filled with ABS tips, treats
and road-worthy items to more than 1,500 students.
Students, along with industry influencers, gathered the following day to
learn from onsite engineers and then try for ABS top honors on the skid pad.
NIU student Sadiya Khan said, "Before I took the Skid Pad Test, I really
didn't understand how ABS worked. When ABS was on, I could feel the brakes
working correctly and I felt in control of the situation. When ABS was off,
it was scary because I didn't feel like I had control of the car. You can
definitely tell what an impact ABS has when it's on." Participating student
challengers were eligible for prizes including a grand prize trip for two to
Orlando, Fla.
Throughout the day, Bob Rivard, technical advisor for the ABS Education
Alliance, was on hand to discuss the proper use and benefits of ABS. "With
simple training, ABS offers drivers the opportunity to better handle
unexpected situations on the road and even avoid many accident scenarios,"
said Rivard. "ABS is a well proven technology, which can help drivers of all
ages and skills in emergency situations."
On Sunday, April 5, the Alliance hosted a free concert for all students
who participated in the "Study Brakes" program. The concert was held at NIU's
Duke Ellington Ballroom and featured the popular acid jazz band, "Liquid
Soul."
In addition to the "Study Brakes" program at NIU, Rivard and his team of
engineers reached out to nearly 150 driver education students with a similar
program at DeKalb High School.
The ABS Education Alliance works with industry, government, education,
safety groups and the media to educate drivers about the effective use of ABS
systems in emergency braking and stopping situations. For more information
about ABS, consumers can visit the ABS Web site (http://www.abs-education.org) or
call the toll-free ABS information line at 800-ABS-8958.
SOURCE ABS Education Alliance
