NTSB Chairman praises rule on auto stability control.
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Press Release Summary:
NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker welcomed announcement, by federal regulatory authorities, of final rule requiring Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems on all passenger vehicles beginning with 2012 model year. ESC utilizes computer-assisted braking to enable drivers to remain in control of vehicles on slippery roads and avoid rollovers when maneuvering.
Original Press Release:
NTSB Praises New Rule on Auto Stability Control
Washington, DC - National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker today welcomed the announcement, by federal regulatory authorities, of a final rule requiring Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems on all passenger vehicles beginning with the 2012 model year.
ESC utilizes computer-assisted braking to enable drivers to remain in control of their vehicles on slippery roads and avoid rollovers when maneuvering.
"This is an extremely positive move," said Chairman Rosenker. "Widespread use of ESC will reduce loss-of- control and rollover crashes and lead to a substantial reduction of deaths and injuries on our highways. It is an excellent example of using advances in technology to bring down the unacceptable toll of vehicle accidents."
The NTSB first addressed ESC following an investigation of a 2002 accident on Interstate 95/495, near Largo, Maryland, in which a Ford Explorer veered across the median into on- coming traffic and was involved in a crash with another SUV and a minivan. The accident resulted in five fatalities. The Safety Board recommended that NHTSA initiate a phased-in stability control mandate for passenger vehicles, if an evaluation of ESC effectiveness was favorable.
