"Matthew S. Whiting" wrote in message
...

Most drivers aren't trained properly period!

Absolutely true. Back before the summer, I had the opportunity to "drive
IFR" through the Cumberland Gap. Road signs were only readable from within
30-50 feet. I was really wishing for a localiser for the lanes and off
ramps. Cars streamed by me at 70-75. I maintained 50 just to keep from
being rear ended. The very next weekend was Memorial Day Weekend; the
weather persisted, and 100 vehicles were wrecked up there and the road was
closed for 24 hours.


Why is the mindset different with ABS? You should be trying to steer
around obstacles whether you have ABS or not.

Simply because steering is impossible if the tires are locked up. The
studies also show most human beings are unable to modulate the brakes
effectively overall. What I think happens is that in no-ABS cars, the
reaction times and stopping distances are enough to overcome the need to
steer - which doesn't matter, because it's nearly impossible unless stopping
distance is sacrificed by the release of brake pressure. Then and only then
is steering possible. In ABS vehicles, the car will always sacrfice distance
for controllability. I submit that if the driver hasn't figured that out,
the mindset is not correct for the equipment.

I've driven in
the winter for 30 years and I know I could have stopped much faster with
my non ABS vehicle.

Going back to my original point, you have much training in using non-ABS
equipped vehicles. My training was in both, and I prefer the ABS - maybe it
was easier to learn, or I didn't have to untrain all the non-ABS experience.
I have been in similar situations in both kinds of cars and I can tell you
the outcome was always better in the ABS equipped vehicle - just luck,
maybe..., but no exaggeration. Of course, I don't change my driving style
based upon the braking equipment either.

I like the Cirrus also, at least from what I've seen and read. Never
had the opportunity to fly one yet though...

I have about 5 hours in an SR-22. All my training was in Cessnas. It was no
transition despite sidestick, low-wing, and high performance. It came
together like bread and butter. Highly recommended. And I didn't change my
flying style based upon the chute or anything else in the airplane. Well, I
didn't have to have anything like a chart or a checklist on my lap for the
entire flight -but they were close at hand.

Bob