Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
It is my understanding that the reason these people practice the same scenario over and over is to remove the thought based analytical response when confronted with that specific situation and develop a "memory muscle" response. A reactive response happens much faster in the human brain than a response based on analysis and decision. Analysis and decison take time. The goal of the repeated practice is to have the person react instantly in the best way possible to the situation when they don't have time to think. It is presumed that what they were trained to do is the best response. Once the initial reaction has taken place they are trained to analyze and further react based on the situation but the initial response is mostly "memory muscle". Few people who ride on the road will ever be able to practice sufficiently for all of the variables that are present.That’s exactly why pilots, peace officers, soldiers, etc. practice practice practice and train train train train for many scenarios. Training reduces the effect that surprises have on the upper brain and the ensuing panic reflex.
Are ABS brakes the best option in all situations? Possibly not- I don't know. In a panic situation where you are not even afforded the time to analyze and decide a course of action, let alone the best course of action, and where locking up the brakes even only for a second is the wrong response (even though it is instinctual and hard to fight) the ABS system is that memory muscle that prevents you from doing something that you shouldn't when you don't have the time to realize that through an analytical thought process. It is a definite bonus to any rider's safety in my opinion.