ITT Automotive Offering Free Copies of NHTSA Publication
24 July 1998
ITT Automotive Offering Free Copies of NHTSA Publication Explaining Proper Use of Anti-Lock Brakes NHTSA Says ABS Safe and Effective When Properly Used
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., July 24 -- The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an educational brochure regarding the
proper use of four-wheel Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS). The brochure explains
the function and purpose of anti-lock brakes, and encourages drivers to
practice using their anti-lock brakes to become more familiar with the
technology.
In the new publication aimed at improving Americans' driving skills, NHTSA
says: "When used properly, an anti-lock brake system (ABS) is a safe and
effective braking system."
"Questions and Answers Regarding Anti-Lock Brake Systems" (ABS) was
prepared by NHTSA, and ITT Automotive is extending its distribution by
printing and mailing it free of charge. Consumers can call ITT Automotive
toll-free at 800-694-5200 to request the brochure. NHTSA's website at
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov offers more information about anti-lock brakes.
"We salute NHTSA for informing the public about the safe and effective use
of anti-lock brakes, and ITT Automotive wants to ensure that this important
safety information reaches as many people as possible," said Frank E. Macher,
president of ITT Automotive.
"We always understood the great capabilities of four-wheel ABS to help
avoid crashes," said Bill Kozyra, vice president, ITT Automotive Brake and
Chassis, N.A. "So we appreciate NHTSA's support to explain to all drivers
the proper usage of ABS and the differences between regular brakes, rear-
wheel and four-wheel anti-lock brakes."
Macher pointed out that, "Improving drivers' use of anti-lock brakes is
the reason we co-founded the ABS Education Alliance with the other American
ABS producers. Improving overall safe driving skills and promoting safer
driving habits are why we initiated ITT Automotive's own Drive Safer America!
effort."
Leaflet Explains Correct Use of ABS
NHTSA begins by pointing out that anti-lock brakes are "a safe and
effective braking system." The agency makes it very clear that the driver
must use these brakes in a hard braking situation differently than he or she
is accustomed to with conventional brakes. The NHTSA leaflet explains the
differences between four-wheel anti-lock brakes and conventional brakes and
instructs drivers to "hold your foot firmly on the brake pedal and remember
that you can still steer" to "avoid a crash by steering around hazards if a
complete stop cannot be accomplished in time." The leaflet states that four-
wheel ABS "allows the driver to maintains directional stability, control over
steering, and in some situations, to reduce stopping distance during hard
braking situations, particularly on wet and slippery road surfaces."
The text differentiates rear-wheel ABS and four-wheel ABS. "Rear-wheel
ABS keeps your vehicle from spinning out of control, but you will not have
steering control if the front wheels lock up." (Rear-wheel ABS is typically
available only on light trucks.) With four-wheel ABS, "you also keep steering
control. If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a crash by
steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time."
"Nowadays, more than 60 percent of all new cars in the United States are
equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock brake system. So the time has come to
update our programs for teaching young drivers," Macher says. "They need to
learn how to brake safely and effectively with an ABS vehicle before they get
their driver's license."
What if already experienced drivers have an ABS in their cars? NHTSA
advises motorists to "familiarize yourself with the operation of ABS by test
driving the vehicle in an unobstructed parking lot." During hard braking with
a car equipped with a four-wheel anti-lock brake system, Stomp on the brakes,
Stay there firmly and Steer around an obstacle, if possible and necessary.
"The core message of NHTSA's leaflet aligns perfectly with ITT
Automotive's Drive Safer America! safety initiative -- that to gain the safety
advantages of four-wheel anti-lock brakes, drivers must learn how to operate
their ABS correctly, and they need to practice. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes
can help save lives and protect families when the driver understands how to
use them and practices beforehand in non-emergency settings, such as an empty
parking lot," Macher noted.
In 1997, ITT Automotive launched its "Drive Safer America!" campaign as a
national consumer awareness initiative. It is designed to help drivers better
understand techniques and technologies for safer driving year round, including
the effective use of four-wheel anti-lock brakes.
ITT Automotive is a unit of ITT Industries, Inc. (http://www.ittind.com),
a leading worldwide-diversified manufacturing company, with 1997
sales of $8.8 billion from its three primary business segments: automotive,
defense & electronics, and fluid technology. In the automotive area, ITT
Automotive is one of the largest independent suppliers of systems and
components to automotive manufacturers. ITT Industries' defense & electronics
business is a leader in the design, manufacture and support of high technology
electronic systems and components for defense and commercial markets. ITT
Industries' fluid technology business is the world's leading manufacturer of
pumps, systems and services for the movement, measurement, and control of
fluids. Based in White Plains, New York, ITT Industries employs more than
58,000 people around the world.
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traded under the symbol (IIN) on the Midwest, Pacific, London, Frankfurt and
Paris exchanges.
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