Doug has it right. ABS works, and does a better job than even most experienced drivers. Perhaps you can construct an idealized a setup where a racing driver can brake+steer/control the car slightly more efficient without ABS, but that will be a rather special case.


If you feel the ABS kick the pedal - the immediate response is to press it all the way down and let the ABS do what it does best. The car will go straight and you can think out what to do next while you get a gentle foot massage. Exercise in an empty parking lot so you know what it feels like.

After the immediate situation is resolved, take the ABS response as a strong indicator THAT YOU ARE GOING TOO FAST! Your driving behavior is exceeding the traction provided today. Slow down. Drive gently. Imagine you've got a rotten grape between you and the controls - don't crush that grape!


I still practice the art of releasing the brake before steering - I learned to drive before ABS and that response is hard wired into me. I don't know how good that "hardwiring" will be in a true emergency braking situation, though... never been there yet, but ABS will be a huge asset in that situation.