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10,000 fatal crashes could be avoided annually if all vehicles were equipped with ESC. (http://www.aiadalists.org/newsroom/newsDetails.aspx?id=57205)

Les Jackson - AIADA - July 24, 2006

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Volvo_SUV_Rollover.jpg
An SUV's taller design makes it more susceptible to a rollover w/out ESC.

The seat belt - a simple, inexpensive piece of equipment - has saved huge numbers of lives and limited serious injuries in crashes since they were mandated in all passenger vehicles in the mid-60s. Since 1975, when only about 20% of people used them, seat belts have been documented by NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to have saved over 135,000 lives and prevented countless serious injuries. It has been only recently that seat belt use reached the 80% level - an impressive statistic, nonetheless.

Now poised to enter into automotive history as what most experts consider the second most beneficial safety device: ESC, or Electronic Stability Control, is a device that makes skilled drivers out of everyday operators of motor vehicles. Think of it this way: imagine driving down a winding road in the rain and suddenly encountering a tight turn. You’re going too fast for the conditions and any attempt to brake or turn is going to result in loss of control and a dangerous skid sideways. Now imagine that you’re in the same vehicle with a NASCAR or Formula 1 race driver at the wheel. He/she can easily bring the vehicle into control because race drivers have extensive training and practice in recognizing changing vehicle dynamics while the vehicle is at the limits of adhesion. The driver would easily be able to make the correct adjustments to steering, braking and power to safely negotiate the situation.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) takes the place of that highly skilled driver in any vehicle. It utilizes the technology inherently available in ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and Traction Control systems to control a vehicle’s tendency to lose directional stability. Using a system of sensors that detect lateral acceleration, yaw and wheel speeds, ESC computer software determines the degree to which the vehicle is plowing (understeer) or fishtailing (oversteer) and selectively applies braking pressure to individual front or rear wheels and reduces engine power to bring it under control. All this happens so quickly that most drivers wouldn’t notice that anything is wrong.

The effectiveness of ESC in helping the driver maintain control of the car has been confirmed by many studies in the U.S. and internationally. In the fall of 2004, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released results of a field study on the effectiveness of ESC in America. NHTSA concluded that ESC reduces the incidence of crashes by 35%. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that up to 10,000 fatal crashes could be avoided annually if all vehicles were equipped with ESC.

Enter the SUV

According to current safety data, over 10,000 people each year die in rollover crashes and nearly half of the fatalities involve SUVs and light trucks. This is a growing safety issue, since SUVs and light trucks are three times more likely to roll over in a single vehicle crash than a passenger car. Several years ago NHTSA started compiling data on rollover crashes, primarily involving SUVs and light trucks. As these vehicles gained popularity with the buying public; the incidence of such crashes dramatically increased because drivers weren’t familiar with the different handling characteristics of high center-of-gravity vehicles. Some of the very things that drew people to SUVs and minivans – tall "greenhouse," stiff suspensions, 4-wheel drive, high ground clearance, heavy and strong construction – also made these vehicles more prone to loss of control and rolling over. Clearly something had to be done…

Rulemaking

Now that SUVs and minivans comprise nearly half of all new vehicle purchases it falls upon NHTSA to mandate safety systems that will make operation of these vehicles and passenger cars more predictable and directionally stable in all conditions. A NHTSA NPRM (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) is now at the Office of Management and Budget and is expected to get through the review process as early as the end of this congressional session. The NPRM will encompass the minimum rollover/loss of control safety standards that will be mandated for new models. These standards will be based upon predictable test models in which repeatable data can be demonstrated (one such model is the "J" turn, in which radical steering input is introduced to cause a vehicle to fishtail).

After the NPRM is issued all auto manufacturers will have at least 60 days to comment before a final rule is issued. When the rule becomes law (presumably, by spring 2007) a phase-in schedule for SUVs and light trucks is most likely to begin in 2008. Ultimately, all vehicles will be required to be equipped with some form of ESC. NHTSA estimates the costs will range from $300 to $800 per vehicle, depending upon model and drivetrain configurations.

What Do Automaker Say?

Vehicle manufacturers welcome this new standard. In fact, nearly all manufacturers already offer ESC on some of their product lines and three (Hyundai, Toyota and Honda) have announced that all their new models will be so equipped from now onward. This is great news for automotive safety and for everyone who shares the highway.

Addendum

ESC is currently not retrofittable to older vehicles, unfortunately, because its complex software and sensor integration must be done during the initial design of the vehicle’s architecture. This doesn’t preclude some company from eventually marketing a "semi-ESC" device for older vehicles, but there is no way of predicting if/when such technology will be developed. Meanwhile, below is a worldwide listing (provided by Continental Automotive Systems) of which vehicle manufacturers use electronic stability control systems under different marketing names:

Acura: Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Alfa Romeo: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Audi: ESP - Electronic Stabilization Program
Buick: StabiliTrak
BMW: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Dynamic Traction Control
Cadillac: All-Speed Traction Control & StabiliTrak
Chevrolet: StabiliTrak (except Corvette - Active Handling)
Chrysler: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Dodge: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
DaimlerChrysler: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Fiat: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Ferrari: Controllo Stabilita (CST)
Ford: AdvanceTrac and Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD)
GM: StabiliTrak
Hyundai: Electronic Stability Program
Honda: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Holden: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Infiniti: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Jaguar: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Jeep: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Kia: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Land Rover: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Lexus: Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems
Lincoln: AdvanceTrak
Maserati: Maserati Stability Program (MSP)
Mazda: Dynamic Stability Control
Mercedes: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Mercury: AdvanceTrak
MINI Cooper: Dynamic Stability Control
Mitsubishi: Active Skid and Traction Control MULTIMODE
Nissan: Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Oldsmobile: Precision Control System (PCS)
Opel: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Peugeot: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Pontiac: StabiliTrak
Porsche: Porsche Stability Management (PSM)
Renault: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Rover: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Saab: Electronic Stability Program
Saturn: StabiliTrak
SEAT: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Škoda: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Subaru: Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems (VDCS)
Suzuki: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Toyota: Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
Vauxhall: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Volvo: Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)
VW: Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Car and Driver had an article about the same thing about 6 months ago. The data they were able to get a hold of actually showed a 40% decrease in single-vehicle accidents. They declared it the most significant, meaningful step forward in driver safety since the seat belt, much like this article states.

There was an article in the Freep (Detroit Free Press) quite some time ago about that, pretty much the same thing; saves lives, great idea, lots of names.

Since it's called ESC in Hondas, do I just push the Esc key? :D

Well here are the latest car innovations.

Volvo City Safety

This system is currently available on the XC70, S80 and V70 models (for £1,300). It will also be fitted to the Volvo XC60 off-roader when it goes on sale from November.

The system is active at up to 20mph and uses a form of laser radar mounted on top of the windscreen.

It responds if the vehicle in front has stopped or is moving closer to the laser.

If a collision is imminent, the system applies the brakes and cuts the throttle. If the car is travelling below 10mph it should prevent the collision entirely and at a speed of up to 20mph will reduce the impact by half.

We think it could help prevent rear shunts on approaches to roundabouts, especially, when the driver’s attention is often split between glancing to the right and looking at the car in front.
Mercedes Distronic Plus

This system is currently available on some S-class models (for £1,475).

It uses two radars linked to the car’s cruise control to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front.

It provides a continual calculation of the distance between the vehicle in front and the speed differential between vehicles, and will brake accordingly.

While it normally won't bring the car to a complete stop, it can do so in low-speed ‘trickling traffic’ situations.
Honda CMBS

Honda’s Collision Mitigation Braking System is currently available on the Honda CR-V off-roader (for around £2,000).

It is a radar system that again calculates the distance and the speed differential with the vehicle in front.

Should this become out of kilter the driver receives visual and audible warnings before brakes are progressively activated. Seat belts are also tightened to alert the driver of an impending problem and lessen any resulting injuries.


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Since it's called ESC in Hondas, do I just push the Esc key? :D

yup, then your computer won't roll over :p

The big question, of course, is will it be calibrated correctly?
4 seconds or better?
.
_H*

My 8 year old jokingly calls it disability control.

I'll have to disagree that ESC will make great drivers out of everyone. Good drivers would never need ESC except in extreme emergency situations. I can only imagine hwo things will only get worse when people suddenly think they have real skills because their car saved their butt.

To that end, remember when insurance companies used to give deep discounts for Anti Lock Brakes? They quit because people were still having accidents. Why? Because they didn't now what to do with the car in extreme situations that now they could respond to instead of just skidding. To that end, how many of you have purposely seen how their ABS systems respond in the real world?

I'll have to disagree that ESC will make great drivers out of everyone. Good drivers would never need ESC except in extreme emergency situations. I can only imagine hwo things will only get worse when people suddenly think they have real skills because their car saved their butt.

To that end, remember when insurance companies used to give deep discounts for Anti Lock Brakes? They quit because people were still having accidents. Why? Because they didn't now what to do with the car in extreme situations that now they could respond to instead of just skidding. To that end, how many of you have purposely seen how their ABS systems respond in the real world?

As in purposely skidding and spinning out on a safe, deserted patch of pavement? I have in all my cars. I routinely drifted the truck into the parking lot so I could remember the edge of performance.

This thread reminds me of Initial D (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Initial_d) where the hero drives a FR 5th Gen Corolla against souped up rice rockets. And usually (and semi-realistically) wins.

Straight from the books: Going into a hairpin turn with brake lights flaring "Wow, that guy must have a monster ABS!" "No, that's not ABS, that's all driver" "What!?!"

Yes, purposely trying to get your vehicle to slide or skid... I used to ruin the last vestige of motorcycle tires practicing panic situations, before getting new tires put on.

I would absolutely hate to have ESC on my drive during the cold months. There are many days each year that I never achieve 100% traction on Mount Rose, but rather fluctuate between probably 20% and 80%. I don't think about it too much... it's just part of snow driving at high altitude, and I've learned how to live with it quite well.

An ESC system would go bonkers on a day like that and would be trying to make all kinds of corrections that may well be counterintuitive for me. No thanks. Just let me drive.

I would absolutely hate to have ESC on my drive during the cold months. There are many days each year that I never achieve 100% traction on Mount Rose, but rather fluctuate between probably 20% and 80%. I don't think about it too much... it's just part of snow driving at high altitude, and I've learned how to live with it quite well.

An ESC system would go bonkers on a day like that and would be trying to make all kinds of corrections that may well be counterintuitive for me. No thanks. Just let me drive.
I agree. ESC seems like a great safety feature, especially for vehicles prone to rollovers. I would still want a way to disable it though, as I am sure in some situations it would be more of an annoyance than a benefit. Make it a multi step procedure to disable ESC so that people have to know what they are doing.

Isn't this just an attempt to keep the SUV viable.

If even one soccer mom thinks "SUVs don't rollover anymore" this is immoral.;)

Why do people always comeback to the rollover thing? IMO, that is a driver issue rather than a vehicle issue. If you have a high-centered vehicle and you throw it around without regard for CG and momentum, its your own d*** fault if it rolls over. The vehicle didn't suddenly become unsafe, YOU did.

When did the right to be stupid become a Constitutional amendment?!?

http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/advisories/2008/08-ma005e.htm

Transport Canada video showing some comparisons between cars using it and not using it...

Missing from that list is:
smart: ESP---Electronic Stability Program (standard equipment (http://www.smartusa.com/smart-fortwo-active-safety-features.aspx))

Why do people always comeback to the rollover thing? IMO, that is a driver issue rather than a vehicle issue. If you have a high-centered vehicle and you throw it around without regard for CG and momentum, its your own d*** fault if it rolls over. The vehicle didn't suddenly become unsafe, YOU did.

When did the right to be stupid become a Constitutional amendment?!?

That reminds me of an Eddie Izzard routine that goes something like this...There's that saying, "Guns don't kill people, people do." That's true, but I think the gun helps. You aren't going to kill a lot of people by walking up to them, pointing your finger and yelling "BANG!!!" unless they've already got a dodgy heart.

Similarly, SUVs don't rollover, drivers of SUVs do, but the high center of gravity and high momentum help. SUVs have lower requirements to rollover and something like ESC would be needed to combat the "stupidity" of the common driver and the laws of physics.

It's like the Corvair, which was terribly designed and prone to fishtailing and rollover under normal (25-40 MPH) driving circumstances, and that car did not have a high center of gravity. The point is, the onus and responsibility does not lie purely with the end user.

Similarly, SUVs don't rollover, drivers of SUVs do, but the high center of gravity and high momentum help. SUVs have lower requirements to rollover and something like ESC would be needed to combat the "stupidity" of the common driver and the laws of physics.


That's a fallacious argument. SUVs are high-performance vehicles (using sedans as a baseline). This means they are more capable in areas and necessarily react differently. To say this is a unsafe design is like saying that Porsches are unsafe because somebody used to driving a family sedan jumped in a 911 and flipped while taking a curve at 150mph. Its not the car, its the driver.

The strengths and weaknesses of the basic SUV design are well-known. Drivers need to educate themselves before getting in. There isn't a Coffin corner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin_corner_%28aviation%29) or backside of the power curve where unwary drivers can inadvertently find themselves stuck, there's just a high CG that need to stay centere.

That's a fallacious argument. SUVs are high-performance vehicles (using sedans as a baseline). This means they are more capable in areas and necessarily react differently. To say this is a unsafe design is like saying that Porsches are unsafe because somebody used to driving a family sedan jumped in a 911 and flipped while taking a curve at 150mph. Its not the car, its the driver.

The strengths and weaknesses of the basic SUV design are well-known. Drivers need to educate themselves before getting in. There isn't a Coffin corner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin_corner_%28aviation%29) or backside of the power curve where unwary drivers can inadvertently find themselves stuck, there's just a high CG that need to stay centere.

I agree with you that the driver is at fault in the 150 MPH case, but that is a false analogy and a straw man, and it missed my point completely. My point was that there are common situations which would cause an SUV to rollover that would cause a lower car to skid or have no problems, no matter how much more careful the driver is in a taller car.

Take an analogy of knives, for instance. One can use a plastic butter knife to cut some things and be relatively cavalier with regards to safety. I mean, a knife like that will take some serious force or multiple cuts to draw blood (let's just say 10 cuts for the sake of argument). However, a plastic butter knife can't cut a lot of things. A sharp steak knife is needed for this purpose, and rightly requires a lot more care. Even if you're 10 times more careful, that one time your mind wanders or the knife slips and you accidentally cut yourself, you *will* draw blood, or worse. So, a more serious accident can result even while being far more careful.

This brings me once again to my point. Even under *normal* usage conditions, an SUV can roll over far more likely and more seriously than a car, even if the driver is more careful than normal. That one time that someone has to brake quickly or turn hard, game over. So, what can be done about it? In the case of the knives above, one could use a chain mail glove so that the one time the steak knife slips, it doesn't come in contact with the skin. In the case of vehicles, ESC and ABS can help avoid an accident or rollover or skidding, and seatbelts, crumple zones and airbags minimize the damage in the case that there is an accident. But in these cases it's the manufacturer's responsibility, not the end user's, to design, manufacture, integrate, advertise, and sell that safety equipment.

I certainly agree with your point that a lot of times drivers don't adjust their driving to a new car, so yes, some (lots of times most) of the blame lies with the driver. However, when manufacturers can put things like ESC into a vehicle to counter those times when a driver is minimally at fault, some of the responsibility lies there as well.

I'll have to disagree that ESC will make great drivers out of everyone. Good drivers would never need ESC except in extreme emergency situations. I can only imagine hwo things will only get worse when people suddenly think they have real skills because their car saved their butt.

To that end, remember when insurance companies used to give deep discounts for Anti Lock Brakes? They quit because people were still having accidents. Why? Because they didn't now what to do with the car in extreme situations that now they could respond to instead of just skidding. To that end, how many of you have purposely seen how their ABS systems respond in the real world?

ESC and ABS only help in situations that can't be avoided by good drivers, I've had ABS for seven years now and only once has it engage when I wasn't forcing it to. Saved my butt on a sheet of ice at 3 am.

Why do people always comeback to the rollover thing? IMO, that is a driver issue rather than a vehicle issue. If you have a high-centered vehicle and you throw it around without regard for CG and momentum, its your own d*** fault if it rolls over. The vehicle didn't suddenly become unsafe, YOU did.

When did the right to be stupid become a Constitutional amendment?!?

Love the point, as long has we allow less than competent drivers on the road we'll need safety features. I think you should have to prove your ability to drive it before you buy it.

That's a fallacious argument. SUVs are high-performance vehicles (using sedans as a baseline). This means they are more capable in areas and necessarily react differently. To say this is a unsafe design is like saying that Porsches are unsafe because somebody used to driving a family sedan jumped in a 911 and flipped while taking a curve at 150mph. Its not the car, its the driver.

The strengths and weaknesses of the basic SUV design are well-known. Drivers need to educate themselves before getting in. There isn't a Coffin corner (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin_corner_%28aviation%29) or backside of the power curve where unwary drivers can inadvertently find themselves stuck, there's just a high CG that need to stay centere.

SUV's have there place in the world, just not in all the driveways that have them. I drove an S-10 Blazer 4WD for a few years when I lived in the country, sure made life easier in the mud, muck, snow and slush. Got rid of it when I moved to town, big pain-in-the-a$$ in town.

Learn to drive your vehicle and never use the safety features but understand how they work :)