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