Safety benefits of system

Michael Woodhouse, Associate Transport Minister, says mandatory electronic stability control (ESC) will significantly improve safety on New Zealand’s roads, with research indicating the system can reduce the risk of crashing due to losing control by about 30 per cent. He says ESC is extremely effective in allowing a driver to regain control of a vehicle in an emergency. “This technology will save lives and help continue the downward trend in the number of New Zealanders injured on our roads. ESC has been described by the AA and many experts as the most significant advance in vehicle safety since the seat belt. “Improving the safety of New Zealand’s fleet is a priority in the government’s Safer Journeys strategy. It works hand-in-hand with other initiatives to make our roads safer for all users.” With the added impetus of the proposed timetable, it’s estimated the overall increase of ESC fitment above current levels will prevent about 432 deaths and 1,992 serious injuries over the next decade. ESC intervenes when its sensors detect a vehicle starting to skid or lose traction. It can independently control the breaking of each wheel and engine torque to pull the car back into line if it’s skidding out of control.