What is Electronic Stability Control? Among the numerous technological innovations introduced in the automotive industry for the last few years, ESC is probably one of the most important as a lifesaver. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your SUV at normal speed then you suddenly enter a curve that is too extreme for the speed you are traveling, the rear of your vehicle begins to slide and spin out, you panic and try to grapple with the steering wheel to avert a potentially serious accident.

Without ESC, you would probably end up off the road, rolling over or even worse. But with ESC, the system automatically detects that your direction is changing more quickly than appropriate for your intended direction. It then briefly applies the right front brakes to alter the direction of the vehicle back to the right path.

How does ESC work? Electronic Stability Control is an evolution from antilock braking technology which uses speed sensors and independent braking for each wheel. An ESC system uses automatic braking of each wheel to prevent the heading from either changing to quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out). ESC helps keep the driver in control of the vehicle while under extreme maneuvers although it does not increase traction. It also uses the driver’s natural reaction of steering into the right direction.

A study conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that having ESC significantly reduced single-vehicle crash risk in cars by 35% and 67% for SUVs. Results corroborated with another study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and indicated that widespread application of ESC can save more than 7,000 lives per year. Furthermore, the study says that if all US vehicles have ESC, this can prevent as many as 800,000 of the 2 million+ single vehicle crashes that happen every year.

Electronic Stability Control is currently being offered as either standard or optional in pricey cars and SUVs from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes and Saab. It is offered in different names such as Stabilitrak in GM cars and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) in Toyota and Lexus. (For a list of 2006 ESC equipped vehicles, visit this site.)

However, it is quite ironic that only 6 percent of car buyers opt for ESC. It is partly because ESC as an option is still quite expensive. It may also be the lack of knowledge or plain indifference why most car buyers usually ignore this potentially lifesaving technology. This is why most automakers still don’t offer ESC as standard equipment especially in mid to low priced vehicles.

In any case, if people can afford less-important luxuries such as a high tech audio system, they should have the foresight to spend more on a proven, life-saving technology such as ESC.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.