In the present study, human behavior in driving a vehicle is analyzed, the causes of increased rollover accidents involving ABS-equipped vehicles is identified, and solutions sought to this problem. Analysis of ordinary driver's behavior in a panic situation shows that many of them: (a) press the brake pedal, but not hard enough to activate the ABS system, or (b) never press the pedal, concentrating too much on operating the steering wheel, or (c) press the pedal but release it part of the way. Under such operating conditions, most vehicles run off the course, and may even spin. These analysis results suggest that increase in rollover accidents involving ABS-equipped vehicles is not attributed to the characteristics of the ABS, but mainly to drivers who become aggressive in their driving method, relying too much on the ABS, or who cannot activate the ABS properly when necessary. Therefore, to prevent the number of rollover accidents from increasing it is essential to ensure that each driver understands the proper operation of the ABS, and to install appropriate mechanical systems to assist drivers who cannot operate the ABS properly. (A)
Abstract