Which safety feature is often included in air brake systems?

The inclusion of an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in air brake systems serves a significant purpose in enhancing vehicle safety. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during heavy braking, which can lead to loss of steering control. This is particularly important in rail systems where maintaining control and stability while braking is crucial for safe operations.

When the brakes are applied forcefully, ABS uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the rotation of the wheels. If a wheel is about to lock up, the system automatically modulates the brake pressure, allowing the wheel to continue rotating and giving the operator better control over the vehicle. This is especially vital in emergency scenarios where quick and effective stopping is needed.

The integration of ABS into air brake systems provides critical safety benefits by ensuring that operators can maintain maneuverability, thereby reducing the risk of derailments or accidents during braking processes. While other systems like Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, and Rear View Cameras play important roles in overall vehicle safety, they do not directly pertain to the air brake functionality and how it manages braking under various conditions as effectively as ABS does.