There was a time when power-assisted brakes were an accessory you paid extra for when buying a new car. Today, they’re pretty much standard equipment. But automotive technology has gone far beyond those earlier technologies.

Consider that power-assisted brakes date back to the early 1920s when the technology was first installed on the Pierce-Arrow. Today, brakes come with ABS (Anti-lock Brake Systems) that pump the brakes more rapidly than any human can so that it’s easier to stop on slick surfaces without the brakes locking up and sending you into an uncontrollable spin.

Even ABS brakes date back to 1929 with Gabriel Voisin developed ABS for use on aircraft for use while taxiing. In 1908, J. E. Francis developed a “Slip Prevention Regulator” for use on trains.

The first years of the ‘70s were big for ABS.

• 1970, Ford added “Suretrack” ABS brakes as an option with the Lincoln Continental. 
• 1971, Chrysler and Bendix Corporation introduced computerized ABS brakes, which they called ‘Sure Brake’ for installation on the Imperial.
• 1971, General Motors provided “Trackmaster” ABS braking systems on the rear wheel only.
• 1971, Nissan came out with its EAL (Electro Anti-lock System) – an electronic version of ABS brakes.
• 1971, The Toyota Crown came with electronically installed anti-skid brakes.
• 1972, Triumph offered Mullard electronic system ABS on its 2500 Estate model.
• 1971, Fiat installed “Antislittamento” ABS brakes on the model 691N1 truck.

Today, many cars come with Adaptive Cruise Control that uses sensors to adjust the car’s speed when approaching other vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians in the roadway. While some of these systems will stop the car entirely before a collision, they can’t be trusted exclusively; you still need a driver who is paying attention.

Cars can also come with Automatic Emergency Braking. AEB also uses sensors that apply the brakes when there is a possibility of a collision. These systems are supposed to be standard equipment in the 2020 model vehicles. While they add some comfort knowing you have a better chance to stop your vehicle in time, a driver paying attention to the road is the best defense against an accident.

Another crucial aspect of these systems is ensuring that they operate properly. It’s important to have your vehicle, and those new braking technologies checked out from time to time to make sure they’re in good shape.