ESC or ESP Saves Lives – Why Isn’t It Standard On All Cars?

Thursday, 25. February 2010

Whilst the number of new cars fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), also known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP), is increasing, following a push by inventors Bosch and the Association of Car Fleet Operators (ACFO), to inform car buyers of the benefits, more private buyers are having the safety device fitted than fleet buyers. Department for Transport research suggests ESC equipped vehicles are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those without the technology. EU rules state that from November 2011 all new cars and vans must have ESC as an option and must be compulsory from November 2014 so business users must take it seriously given the higher mileages covered by business vehicles than private. By selecting only vehicles with ESC the manufacturers will be forced to ensure that they bring their fitting of ESC as standard forward. If you value safety and you are changing your car soon look for ESC or ESP, it saves more lives than ABS. By Graham Hill