Bridgestone supports campaign to fit stability control systems

Rome - The 'ChooseESC!' campaign being launched today at Bridgestone's Tech centre near Rome, estimates that if all cars in the EU had electronic stability control systems (ESC) fitted, over 4000 lives and 100 000 injuries could be avoided each year.

ESC recognises when a skid is starting to happen. In a fraction of a second the electronic control unit applies the brakes at individual wheels, helping to keep the car control before the skid. Whether the skid is the result of an emergency avoidance manoeuvre or a simple error of judgement, ESC can help a driver maintain control of a vehicle.

Organisers of the ChooseESC! campaign say, "At least 40% percent of fatal road accidents are the result of skidding. Studies show that ESC could reduce skidding accidents by up to 80 percent. However, there is a low take-up rate of this life-saving technology across Europe and a lack of consumer awareness of its safety benefits (as shown in a recent authoritative Commission Eurobarometer study)."

The organisers continue, "The Euro NCAP survey released at the Rome event shows that Denmark and Sweden come out top of the league with ESC broadly fitted as standard equipment.

Malta and Ireland come out bottom of the table with extremely low levels of standard ESC fit, especially for superminis and small family cars. And the reasons for the disparity are not technical ones. Some models have ESC fitted as standard equipment in one country, yet it is not available, even as an option, in others."

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Website of ChooseESC! campaign