Electronic stability control

Abstract

Electronic Stability Control ("ESC") has been hailed as the greatest advance in auto safety since the seatbelt because of the number of lives it saves. Unlike the seatbelt and other passive safety devices that help passengers survive crashes, ESC prevents crashes. ESC is a computerized vehicle system that improves vehicle handling by automatically detecting and preventing skids. ESC was first introduced in mass produced cars around 1998, and has been embraced by some European countries such as Sweden and Denmark, where 98% of new cars sold are equipped with ESC. In the United States, law now requires 75% of new passenger vehicles to be sold with ESC. Other countries have much lower rates of ESC fitment, particularly for inexpensive vehicles. Even though ESC is proven to reduce crashes, many vehicles today are sold without this important technology. ESC is marketed under many different trade names such as AdvanceTrac or Vehicle Dynamic Control, which may confuse consumers and reduce potential awareness and market demand. ESC is still an optional extra on many vehicle models and its function and effectiveness is not widely understood, leading uninformed consumers to continue to purchase vehicles without ESC. Given the extraordinary benefits of ESC in preventing crashes, especially those with more serious outcomes, safety authorities can play a lead role by promoting ESC awareness and creating market demand by encouraging consumers to purchase only vehicles equipped with ESC. The primary objective of this chapter is to inform the reader of the traffic safety benefits and availability of ESC systems, as well as provide context in terms of campaigns, controversy and current levels of awareness. © 2011 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.