Choose stability control, RAC Foundation urges
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 14 March 2007
The RAC Foundation has claimed that Electronic Stability Control programmes could reduce road crashes by 20%, particularly in wet or icy conditions.
A Europe-wide ‘Choose ESC!’ campaign will be launched at the Bridgestone European Testing ground near Rome in May. The campaign, lead by the FIA Foundation, aims to raise awareness of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and increase the take-up the technology.
The Rome launch will feature the release of an EU wide ESC availability survey by Euro NCAP and include live demonstrations comparing the performance of a car with and without the system engaged.
The RAC Foundation wants drivers alerted to developments in technology that will help to prevent a collision and recommends that motorists ensure their next car is fitted with a stability control system.
Such programmes can help in skiddy situations or if a driver misjudges a corner, says the RAC Foundation. Systems monitor feedback to determine whether vehicles are in danger of losing control and adjust traction to individual wheels in fractions of a second to compensate.
International studies have suggested a reduction in car crashes of between 22% and 35%.
Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation said: "The safest car on the road is the one which does not get involved in accidents. Driving carefully and attentively is perhaps the best way to reduce the chances of being in a crash but technology can play an important role, too.
“That is why advice is being extended to cover developments in technology, such as Electronic Stability Control, which will help protect drivers and their passengers."
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