Effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control Systems in Great Britain

Electronic stability control (ESC) is a system that utilises the electronic control of the brakes and engine to prevent the driver from losing control of the vehicle. It achieves this through a calculation of the driver’s intended actions (measured through steering wheel angle, accelerator position and vehicle speed) and a comparison of the driver’s intentions to the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle (taken from a lateral accelerometer and yaw rate sensor).

The evaluation has been conducted for all crashes as well as for a variety of road and loss of control conditions. In addition, a study of ESC benefits in terms of crash costs and accidents prevented has been undertaken.

The results show that ESC effectiveness is 7% in crashes of all severity. Serious crashes are 11% lower compared to non ESC cars and fatalities 25% lower. The potential savings in accident costs for a 100% take up of ESC amounts to some £959m by preventing 7,800 crashes. Even at a 50% take up the saving amounts to £480m.