What is Brake Assist?

Brakeassist.com (home) what is brake assist? history how it works how it works (2) which cars have it? contact	Basically, a brake assist system monitors the driver’s use of the brake pedal, automatically sensing an attempt to stop the car as a result of panic. It then generates very high braking power, even when the driver is only pressing lightly on the brake pedal. When this is used together with anti-lock braking systems, it results in faster and safer braking. Depending on the driver, statistics for emergency stops in cars using this technology range from a 20% - 45% reduction in stopping distances, a potentially significant difference in critical situations. Some road tests show that a driver needs up to 240 feet (73 meters) to stop a car going approximately 60 mph (100 km/h). In the same scenario, cars with brake assist were able to come to a complete stop in as little as 130 feet (40 meters). Since it only takes one-fifth of a second to travel a car length at highway speeds, the superior speed with which the brake assist is able to react also accounts for its improved safety results over traditional braking systems.