ESC is an “intelligent” crash avoidance technology which controls a vehicle’s braking system to avoid oversteer or understeer and retain the drivers control of the vehicle. 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%.
The FIA’s policy position recommends that all vehicle buyers choose an ESC equipped model and that FIA member clubs worldwide promote and support consumer awareness campaigns highlighting its safety benefits.
It also calls for all vehicle manufacturers to make ESC available in as many countries as possible and progressively make ESC a standard feature across all model ranges. The eventual aim is to develop a Global Technical Regulation which will lead to the standardisation of ESC across all new passenger vehicles by 2012.
FIA President Max Mosley said:
“ESC can make a significant contribution to reducing death and injury on our roads. We believe that decisive action should be taken now to standardise the technology in all vehicles and save this continuing and unnecessary loss of life.”
Since the introduction of ESC in 1995, market penetration of the system remains low in many countries, especially in the mini, small, and family car vehicle classes. There is a clear need to accelerate its use in all motor vehicle classes in all major world markets.
In September 2006 the US National Highway Administration (NHTSA) introduced a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard rule (FMVSS Number 126) proposing the installation of ESC in all new passenger vehicles by 2012. In November 2006 the NHTSA Administrator proposed that the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (UNECE WP29) develop a Global Technical Regulation (GTR) for ESC, a move that the FIA supports.
The FIA is also backing the ‘Choose ESC’ campaign, which seeks to disseminate information about ESC and promote its use in all cars across Europe. FIA President Max Mosley, a long-time proponent for the development of e-safety, will speak at the launch of the ‘Choose ESC!’ campaign at the Bridgestone European Testing ground near Rome on 8 May 2007.
The launch will feature the release by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) of an EU wide ESC availability survey. The event will also include live demonstrations comparing the performance of a car with and without the system engaged.
Mr Mosley will be joined at the launch by European Commissioner Viviane Reding , Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Nicole Nason, Administrator of the US National Highway Administration, and Claes Tingvall, Chairman of Euro NCAP.
The launch will also feature an international workshop with high level participation from the NHTSA and representatives of Australia’s State of Victoria. The NHTSA has recently proposed an international standard for ESC systems at the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization Vehicle Regulations (WP29), whilst a similar ESC awareness campaign was recently launched in Victoria.
Participants at the event will include all the major stakeholders in intelligent vehicle safety systems including motoring organisations, consumer groups, motor industry and related service suppliers, national authorities from EU member states and representatives of the news media. The ‘Choose ESC!’ event is organised by the FIA and FIA Foundation in cooperation with Euro NCAP and the European Commission.
