FLEET drivers with ABS brakes are taking more risks than other motorists - driving faster and closer and braking later. The warning has come from British Car Contracts operations manager, Kevin Baker who reports several recent complaints by drivers that their ABS brakes were ineffective. Dealer checks later showed them to be performing exactly to specification.

Questioning the drivers led Baker to conclude that the drivers expected the car to stop in similar distances in adverse conditions as it would on a dry road. A recent survey by Lucas showed that 70% of drivers did not apply the brakes fully in an emergency. This means that ABS is not even activated in seven out of ten potential accidents.