by Astraist » Fri Jun 28, 2013 9:10 am
Just "taking the turn more slowly?" There are many safety procautions that can be taken to negotiate hazards like bends. Must we only take one measure which we deem sufficient? or should we take all of them to increase the safety margins?
With the example of bends, we can take the turn more slowly,but we can also: slow down even more, maintain constant throttle in the bend, apply the steering accurately and smoothly, maintain the car's tyres and dampers for better grip, take a more efficient cornering line AND have ESP.
In this context, both ABS and ESP, as well as other active safety systems, can be seen as an additional and final safety "net". Besides that. a driver can be pushed into situations where, in spite of good observational skills, an emergency manuever will be required, normally due to the behavior of another road user.
There can very well be instances where, in spite of maintaining a safe following distance or a speed in which you can stop within the distance you see to be clear - will provide insufficient. In these situation, emergency braking will be required, but a steering input will also be necessary. This the justification for the existance of ABS and, at high speeds and on slippery surfaces - for ESP also.
This can happen if the car ahead stops and than pulls BACK, or if it brakes but than hits the car ahead, leading to a sudden halt, or if cargo is dropped off of the back of a lorry. It can also happen should avoiding oncoming traffic become necessary, especially in a bend.