The European Commission today confirmed new proposals for the mandatory introduction of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on all new cars sold in the EU from 2012, following a successful campaign led by the FIA and FIA Foundation.
The new policy could prevent 4,000 deaths and 100,000 injuries a year on Europe’s roads, where less than half of the cars currently sold are fitted with this crucial crash-avoidance technology.
Max Mosley, FIA President, said:
“I’m delighted that the European Commission has backed the FIA’s campaign for the mandatory fitting of ESC. This life-saving technology will make a significant contribution to preventing deaths and injuries on our roads.”
In April 2007, the FIA called for ESC to become a standard feature on all new passenger cars by 2012. The Choose ESC! campaign was launched by the FIA and FIA Foundation soon afterwards at an event in Rome featuring presentations from high-level safety experts in the automotive industry.
The campaign has helped to increase public awareness on the importance of ESC and its low take-up across Europe, especially compared to the US. The motor sport community has also helped to promote the campaign with support from major motor racing stars such as FIA World Champions Michael Schumacher and Sébastien Loeb.
Seven-time FIA Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, who participated in the launch of the campaign, said:
“ESC are three letters that can save your life. When you buy a car ask your dealer for a model that is ESC equipped as you never know when a crash might happen.”
Four-time FIA World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb said:
“"ESC is one of the most important safety devices since the seat belt. Controlled slides are part of rallying but when I am driving on public roads with my family, I want to avoid skidding at all costs. That's why I choose ESC."
Loeb will promote the use of ESC at next week’s Acropolis Rally, where he will demonstrate its effectiveness in correcting a skid caused by a rapid lane change. He will also speak during the ChooseESC! Symposium, held in Brussels on 1 July, which will examine ways to advance the rollout of ESC.
ESC is an “intelligent” crash avoidance technology which controls the braking system of a motor vehicle to avoid oversteer or understeer and to retain the drivers control of the vehicle. It has significant potential both to avoid crashes and reduce their consequences. A range of studies in Europe, the USA and elsewhere show that ESC can reduce passenger car single-vehicle crashes by as much as 35 per cent.
