What is an Electronic Stability Program?

An Electronic Stability Program, also called Electronic Stability Control, is one of the key safety features found in many of today’s new cars. Developed in Germany in the late 20th Century, the advancement is credited with saving thousands of lives. Auto experts can explain in great detail the finer points of ESC and why it’s so amazing – but non-motor heads can appreciate the technology as well. Antilock brakes (ABS), traction control and Electronic Stability Control are commonly considered the three building blocks in today’s automobile braking systems:

In short, ESC keeps your car going the direction you want it to – and prevents drivers from over-correcting when they encounter problems. The system can prevent rollovers, accidents on icy roads, and other accidents. A car equipped with ESC works with ABS and traction-control systems to regulate braking and acceleration.

While ESC was previously a feature found in only high-end vehicles, it is becoming more and more common. Today, vehicles of all prices can feature the system. Soon, it won’t be a choice at all: Beginning in 2012, all cars sold in the United States must feature ESC.

Background of Electronic Stability Control

Several different auto manufacturers had a part in developing various types of Electronic Stability Control features. Today, the feature is considered one of the best advancements in automobile safety. The process of developing the technology began decades ago. Here are some of the landmarks along the way of establishing ESC as a common safety feature:

Why Electronic Stability Control is a vital component

Electronic Stability Control is credited as one of the most vital advances in automotive safety – some say it’s the most important auto-safety creation since the seat belt. In fact, automobile experts strongly recommend purchasing a car equipped with ESC. The statistics explain why.

Studies across the world agree that Electronic Stability Control is extremely helpful in assisting drivers control the cars they drive – and as a result, saving lives. According to studies done by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration in 2004, the existence of ESC has reduced crashes by 35 percent. Sport-utility vehicles that have ESC are involved in 67 percent fewer accidents than their non-ESC counterparts. And a 2006 study completed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) stated that 10,000 crash-related fatalities each year could be avoided if all vehicles had ESC. The study also concluded that ESC reduces the chance of a fatal crash by 43 percent, fatal single-vehicle crashes by 56 percent, and single-vehicle fatal rollovers by nearly 80 percent. The IIHS now requires vehicles to be equipped with ESC to be designated a “top safety pick.”

Featured Articles

Review of AAA Auto Insurance

AAA auto insurance policies are offered by the auto clubs of individual states. Although AAA is a fairly small carrier, its subsidiaries usually perform well on surveys of customer satisfaction. Read on for a review of AAA car insurance and its product offerings.

Review of American Family Insurance

American Family Insurance is a fairly small provider of auto insurance, but the company continues to deliver quality customer satisfaction and a solid financial performance. Read on for an overview of American Family’s financial health, customer ratings, and future outlook.

Car Insurance and Arbitration Clauses

Chances are, your auto insurance policy contains a mandatory arbitration clause. This clause requires you to try to resolve your dispute with the insurer before an arbitrator instead of a jury. We’ll explain more about arbitration clauses and how they relate to car insurance in this post.