Active crash prevention technology helps to stop a crash from ever happening. An electronic stability control (ESC) is an active safety system that reduces the risk of a driver losing control of the vehicle.
Also known as electronic stability programs (ESP), ESC builds upon features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control to stabilise the vehicle when it changes direction from that intended by the driver.
ESC helps you remain in control of your vehicle when you skid, swerve suddenly or when road conditions change. European experts estimate that up to 40 per cent of single vehicle crashes could be avoided if all cars had ESC. In Victoria that means 50 lives a year could be saved.
ESC considerably reduces the risk of single vehicle crashes by:
• correcting impending oversteering or understeering;
• stabilising the vehicle during sudden evasive manoeuvres e.g. swerving;
• improving handling on gravel and unmade roads e.g. road shoulders, and
• improving traction on slippery or icy roads.
International research has shown that, if fitted with ESC, single vehicle crashes can be reduced by 35 per cent in passenger vehicles and 67 per cent in four wheel drive and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
Using a number of intelligent sensors, ESC immediately identifies when a car has deviated from the driver’s steered direction and the driver has lost control of the vehicle. As soon as impending instability, oversteering and understeering are registered, ESC stabilises the vehicle by selectively braking individual wheels and reducing engine torque to bring the vehicle back on course.
Before you choose your next car, look for models with ESC. To look for locally available cars with ESC visit the FCAI website.
For further information on ESC visit www.safecars.com.au
Q. What is ESC?
A. ESC, or Electronic Stability Control, is a term used by some vehicle manufacturers to describe an active safety feature that reduces the risk of a driver losing control of their vehicle. It is currently referred to by a number of different names in Australia, these include Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Vehicle Stability/Swerve Control (VSC), Active Stability Control (ASC), and Dynamic Stability Traction Control.
Q. Why is ESC important?
A. Loss of control crashes are a major contributor to the Victorian road toll. Over 170 fatal road crashes occur in Victoria each year as a result of drivers losing control of their vehicles. It is estimated that if ESC was fitted to every vehicle in Victoria, more than 50 lives could be saved annually.
Q. How is ESC different to ABS and Traction Control?
A. ESC uses components of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and traction control to stabilise the vehicle. Unlike ABS and traction control which only operate in the driving direction (longitudinal), ESC also helps the driver control sideways (lateral) movements which create instability. This makes ESC a total, holistic system that controls a car’s entire movements.
Q. Do I need training to drive a vehicle with ESC?
A. No. System manufacturers say that ESC supports the driver but does not require training or changes to driving styles.
Q. Does ESC take over control from the driver?
A. No. But it assists the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.
Q. Can I buy ESC separately and install it into my car?
A. No. ESC is an in-built car safety feature that is only available in certain models. To view a list of locally available cars with ESC, visit the FCAI website.
Q. How much does ESC cost?
A. ESC is not sold separately. It is an in-built car safety feature that is only available in certain cars, so cost varies between manufacturers and car models.