According to an article in USA Today, linked on Autoblog.com, electronic stability control systems may be required by law for all new vehicles sold in the U.S. Electronic stability control, also known as ESC, traction control, skid control, and several other manufacturer-given names, is a computer-controlled system that uses sensors and applies the brakes to individual wheels in order to keep the vehicle on a path which the driver can easily control. HowStuffWorks.com gives a more detailed explanation of how this system works. Some form of stability control is available on about half of all new cars sold in the U.S. Although the cost of the technology has decreased since its introduction into the market, the requirement for all automakers to outfit their vehicles with stability control would drive up the cost of new vehicles. Despite the increased vehicle costs, studies have shown that standard stability control could save as many as 10,000 lives per year. But are additional on-board electronics really necessary for driver's to keep their SUVs under control?
Automakers can add a variety of different driver aids to today's new vehicles. Systems such as stability control, anti-lock brakes and roll control can help the driver in certain situations, but even when they are all combined, an accident can never completely be prevented. Drivers make mistakes, but stability control only acts as a safety net. Stability control will never be able to teach a driver the correct way to counter-steer during a loss of traction. This is where driver education makes more sense than vehicle education. Smarter drivers are the solution, not smarter cars.
Image source: http://www.nisshinbo.co.jp/seihin/brake/asc_e.html
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