Leon responds:

I have never known or thought a car with ABS would stop shorter and I have
the background for working in the automotive industry for 23 years. It
simply helps you maintain control of the vehicle particularly when on an
inconsistent or slick surface. I have never really heard that ABS makes a
car stop shorter.

Well, I've been piddling with cars for more than twice that long, though not
often from an industry standpoint. But I had thought that ABS was supposed to
keep that sucker in a straight line, which generally will mean shorter stops
than does skidding, letting up on the brakes and correcting before slamming 'em
down again.

I'd like to see some test results--I'm sure someone did some at some
time--comparing ABS stop distances to an expert driver who pumps away with
abandon.

Of course, part of the problem is the number of drivers who perceive themselves
as experts, when most of them aren't even competent beginners when it comes to
emergency maneuvers.

Charlie Self
"He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." Sir Winston
Churchill