On dry surfaces, a professional driver is able to do Threshold Braking, which in non-ABS cars maximizes stopping power by taking braking just up to the limit be

On dry surfaces, a professional driver is able to do Threshold Braking, which in non-ABS cars maximizes stopping power by taking braking just up to the limit before the tires start sliding. On cars with ABS, the intent is to minimize the rate at which the ABS pump activates in order to maximize stopping power (pulse ... pulse ... pulse vs. pulse.pulse.pulse) ABS has an advantage over regular systems in that the computer is able to control braking effort on a per-wheel basis. Something a human with only one pedal to push can't do. IIRC, the best ABS systems are able to cycle at about 10Hz. Something I vaguely recall reading about is that in a panic stop on ice, the heat from the sliding friction will melt a very small bit of ice under the contact patch, turning it into a hydroplaning situation. I need to see if I can find that reference again...