Today's drivers suffer without high-tech systems

Drivers increasingly take for granted the technologies that keep their car under control in dangerous situations, according to a new study. Fewer than 30 of those questioned in a recent survey knew what anti-lock brakes were, and less than 5 percent understood traction control. To test some skills of the average driver, the U.K.'s Times newspaper brought along a 15-year-old BMW 3-series devoid of every modern safety feature and asked some regular drivers to take it through the test track at the Graham Griffiths of Ultimate Car Control training school. While all the drivers were able to drive their modern Volvos, Hondas, and Subarus successfully in all conditions, they failed when forced to drive the classic car. "Even these self-confessed petrolheads were unable to control their cars without the aid of ABS." And without traction control, many of the drivers "swung about wildly," heading into 360-degree spins.