What type of braking system helps to prevent skidding during sudden stops?

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is designed to prevent skidding during sudden stops by allowing the driver to maintain steering control while braking. When a driver applies the brakes forcefully, ABS automatically modulates brake pressure to each wheel, preventing the wheels from locking up. This ensures that the tires maintain their grip on the road, allowing the driver to steer away from potential hazards even during hard braking scenarios. The technology behind ABS helps reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces and enhances overall vehicle stability, making it a critical safety feature in modern vehicles.

In contrast, pneumatic brakes are commonly used in larger vehicles and don't have the same capabilities as ABS in preventing skidding. Drum brakes and disc brakes are types of braking systems that work effectively but do not have the anti-lock feature, so they cannot modulate brake pressure under heavy braking in the way ABS does.