According to information and statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US, whose mission is to “Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes,” real-world evidence does not support the claims made by manufacturers that Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) actually reduce the number and severity of motor vehicle incidents.
Research shows that motorists driving vehicles with added safety features tend to drive more aggressively and take greater risks than drivers of cars without, and in fact that ABS can actually increase the chance and severity of accidents in some situations. The study found that ABS had no real benefit on dry-surface braking and that cars equipped with ABS took longer to stop on icy roads and were more likely to be involved in a rollover. Just something to ponder the next time you slam into your brakes.