Saving Lives With Electronic Stability Control Systems
While many safety features come standard on motor vehicles, one of the most beneficial safety systems, electronic stability control, is still lacking on some.
January 22, 2011
While safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes come standard on many vehicles, one of the most beneficial safety systems is still lacking on some vehicles.Electronic stability control systems (ESC) help drivers maintain control of the vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, ESC systems use sensors to detect the speed and direction of the wheels. During a turn, if the car drifts in a direction different from the orientation of the wheels, the system can reduce acceleration and brake individual wheels to help the driver regain control of the car.
In 2006, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that it would require ESC systems to be standard on all passenger vehicles. According to Consumer Reports, this requirement was to begin with the 2009 model year and be standard by 2012. By the 2010 model year, 100 percent of SUVs had ESC standard and 88 percent of all vehicles had the system installed. The system was unavailable in only 5 percent of vehicles. Auto experts cite this requirement as the most important safety advancement in the industry since the seat belt.
While the technology has helped prevent car accidents and will be a requirement in the next model year, some vehicles still do not come equipped with ESC systems. According to Consumer Reports, ESC is not standard on the following models:
- Chevrolet Aveo
- Chrysler PT Cruiser
- Dodge Dakota
- Dodge Viper
- Hyundai Accent
- Kia Rio
- Lotus Elise
- Scion tC
- Tesla Roadster
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that ESC systems reduce the chances of a fatal accident by one-third. The systems also reduce the likelihood of a single vehicle rollover by 73 percent. The NHTSA estimates that between 4.200 and 5,500 rollover deaths can be prevented each year if all vehicles have ESC systems.
While the number of traffic fatalities is at its lowest level since 1950 according to the NHTSA, improvements in technology can help further reduce this number.
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can evaluate any potential claims and advocate on your behalf.
Article provided by The Carlson Law Firm PC
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