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2.18.4 – How ABS Helps You
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When you brake hard on slippery surfaces in a vehicle without ABS, your wheels may lock up. When your steering wheels lock up, you lose steering control. When your other wheels lock up, you may skid, jackknife, or even spin the vehicle.
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ABS helps you avoid wheel lock-up and maintain control. You may or may not stop faster with ABS, but you should be able to steer around an obstacle while braking and avoid skids caused by over braking.
2.18.5 – ABS on the Tractor Only or Only on the Trailer
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Having ABS on only the tractor, only the trailer, or even on only one axle still gives you more control over the vehicle during braking. Brake normally.
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When only the tractor has ABS, you should be able to maintain steering control and there is less chance of jackknifing. But keep your eye on the trailer and let up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) if it begins to swing out.
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When only the trailer has ABS, the trailer is less likely to swing out, but if you lose steering control or start a tractor jackknife, let up on the brakes (if you can safely do so) until you regain control.
2.18.6 – Braking with ABS
When you drive a vehicle with ABS, you should brake as you always have. In other words:
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Use only the braking force necessary to stop safely and stay in control.
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Brake the same way, regardless of whether you have ABS on the bus, tractor, trailer, or both.
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As you slow down, monitor your tractor and trailer and back off the brakes (if it is safe to do so) to stay in control.
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There is only one exception to this procedure. If you drive a straight truck or combination with working ABS on all axles, in an emergency stop, you can fully apply the brakes.