4,000 lives and 100,000 injuries could be avoided every year in the EU if ESP anti-skid was standard on cars. So what is it? By David Fulker, Chassis Systems Control Division, Bosch
TODAY’S vehicle safety technologies open up new dimensions in driving safety. Particularly crash avoidance innovations.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is one such.
Some manufacturers use other acronyms rather than ESP, but they all perform the same function. So what is ESP? And what does it do?
Essentially it prevents your car from skidding out of control.
For those who want the technical low-down, anti-skid systems like ESP monitor your car’s stability 25 times a second. It can identify the risk of a skid at an early stage, even before the driver is aware. It then uses the vehicle’s brakes, via the anti-lock ABS system, to steer the vehicle safely back on track.
ESP has been heralded as the biggest life-saver since the introduction of the seat belt.
But not everyone is aware of the system’s benefits. We initiated some independent research among business car managers. It showed that while 89% rated safety as important when selecting vehicles, 69% were unaware of ESP’s safety benefits.
The European Union has proposed making ESP mandatory from 2012. But for the moment it’s standard on some cars; optional on others.
In the UK, nearly half of all newly registered cars are now fitted with this active safety system. But that leaves 50% that aren’t – particularly in the small car market.
David Ward, director general, FIA Foundation, commented recently: “Employees are a company’s most valuable asset. Those who drive for work purposes have a crucial role in the company’s performance. Work-related road safety and the careful management of its risk are now a vital issue that no company can afford to ignore.”
There is also a persuasive business case for ensuring this safety technology is fitted to your company’s business cars.
From a cost perspective, a standard anti-skid system like ESP could prevent accident costs; and injured staff off work – which few small businesses can afford.
At the most critical extreme, it could save your life; or the life of one of your employees.
Further information
You can find out more about ESP at www.bosch.co.uk
You might also find this Advice Centre story useful – Top tips: How to understand the Corporate Manslaughter Act
Another Advice Centre story that could prove helpful is: What is road risk management?
