What type of braking system is commonly used in passenger vehicles for safety?

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is crucial in enhancing safety for passenger vehicles by preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking. This system allows the driver to maintain steering control, which is vital in emergency situations. ABS works by rapidly pulsing the brakes, allowing the wheels to continue rotating instead of locking up. This greatly reduces the risk of skidding and helps maintain traction.

Compared to traditional braking systems, such as drum brakes, ABS provides a significant safety advantage, particularly on slippery surfaces. Drum brakes may still be present in some vehicles, but on their own, they do not offer the advanced safety and control that ABS provides during braking.

Other options, like suspension braking systems and vacuum brakes, are not standard for passenger vehicles. Suspension brakes are more commonly associated with larger vehicles like buses or trucks, while vacuum brakes are typically found in older vehicle designs and are less relevant in modern passenger vehicle safety technology. Thus, ABS stands out as the primary system designed to improve safety in everyday driving conditions.