ABS saved mi tonight!! - Jamaica Talk

JASpice · #1 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 10:57 PM

Ok...I have never trusted the anti-lock brake system ever!! Living in the mountains I have become accustom to pumping mi brakes wen I have found miself slippin and a sliden. But with a little prayer and some trust I am now a believer!

Here's my horrifying story from tonight .......

Finally...a nice night out to dinner without the pickneys in the next town over. As dinner was ending we took notice to the few flakes of snow that were falling. At that moment I realised I forgot to see what the weather was suppose to be like (not that it matters in the mountains for it changes every minute). Anyhow...the few flakes turned into a blizzard and I realised it was not going to be a pretty ride home....and I was right.

There is this section of highway that is death defying scary anytime it snows. It's a very steap pitch that runs along the lake that has not frozen yet. Which in return leaves a very icy effect and there is ALWAYS cars that slip and slide all over. Tonight would be no different.

As I was nearing this stretch I slowed down drastically...but it still didnt matter. The third car in front of mi spun out and finally stopped facing sideways blocking both lanes. As we all braked we ALL began to slide. This time as my ABS turned on I said a few prayers..it was like slow motion. I put my full trust in the ABS knowing that if I had to I would vear into the median to avoid any collision....well...God answered my little prayer and the car immediately in front and the one behind kept it under control as I did...we avoided each other and came to a stop. At that point I choose to watch in my review mirror to see about six cars flying off the road while two others hit. This was a very freaky moment and I am still shakin up!!

Between my ABS system and God...I was spared, and very thankful!

(Okay..I can rest now )

JamCan · #2 (**permalink**) 12-18-2007, 11:37 PM

WOW I don't have an horrific stories of my ABS but I have a funny story about the first time they kicked in. I had just bought my car and never experienced them before. When it happened i freaked out and thought I bought a lemon and there was something wrong!!!!!!

I was so mad until I phoned the dealer and they made me feel like an eediat!

Samba · #3 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 08:31 AM

The ABS is supposed to do the pumping for you. Note, if the road suface is bumpy.........pump, pump like hell, run for your life, abandon ship, run for cover.
I dont have snow but I know driving downhill on a bumpy road surface (small bumps, very close together) defeats the controls of the ABS. I could go into the long engineering explanation about controls , bla, bla, bla.............but just to say observe the road surface as well.

JASpice · #4 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 10:19 AM

It was a very scarey drive.... even the feel of the ABS is scary.

Samba.....Would driving on such a bumpy road ruin the ABS system and don't they only activate if your going to fast and slamming on the brakes??

D-Rock · #5 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 10:40 AM

WOW!!! Glad you made it out alright Spice!!...

Jamaica Miss · #6 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 12:42 PM

So glad that this turned out okay for you JS. And thanks Samba for the explanation of the ABS where it pertains to Jamaica roads.

Groovy144 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 01:35 PM

I am quite sure that it was a frightening experience. You were able to keep a level head, and you came out alright. Thank Heavens. I live in the deep rural areas of the state, and have been saved quite a few times by God, and ABS. Just recently avoided a head on collision with someone who was speeding, hit a patch of ice, and went careening out of control.

JASpice · #8 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D-Rock

WOW!!! Glad you made it out alright Spice!!...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamaica Miss

So glad that this turned out okay for you JS. And thanks Samba for the explanation of the ABS where it pertains to Jamaica roads.

Thank you D & JMiss! My heart rate is back to normal now

JASpice · #9 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groovy144

I am quite sure that it was a frightening experience. You were able to keep a level head, and you came out alright. Thank Heavens. I live in the deep rural areas of the state, and have been saved quite a few times by God, and ABS. Just recently avoided a head on collision with someone who was speeding, hit a patch of ice, and went careening out of control.

You know what I am speaking of...lawd, it sure does make you reflect a little! Glad ur okay as well.

Samba · #10 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 05:48 PM

Quote:

And thanks Samba for the explanation of the ABS where it pertains to Jamaica roads.

No problemo. Since you already did the "Taxi drivers course", you dont even need brakes.

Goo d2 C U Groovy.

JaSpice, the ABS is just like pumping your brakes only the controls will vary the speed (of the pump) so as to try and prevent wheel lock-up. That on-off action of the brake controls/program gets confused when the wheel goes in and out of contact with the road surface on a bumpy road. What to do; don’t press too hard if you don’t have to while over the bumpy surface. The bumps that are closely packed are the most dangerous. I drive down such a road every morning (it's wet 50% of the time). I either avoid it, slow down considerably before I get to it or just ride it out without any brake.