Driver safety is critical, but unfortunately, some aspects will be outside your control when you're on the road. For example, poor weather conditions combined with slippery roads can easily lead to a traffic collision. Fortunately, automakers are designing vehicles with more flexible safety features. Electronic stability control (or ESC) was developed nearly 20 years ago and made its automotive debut in 1992. Following years of research, electronic stability control was created to help drivers compensate during a loss of steering control by braking accordingly.
Overview Of ESC Technology
During a slip or skid, a wide array of sensors throughout your car send data to the onboard computer. By analyzing this information (i.e. yaw, wheel position, steering wheel position, speed, etc.), the brakes are applied individually in order to compensate. For example, during oversteer the brakes on the outer front wheel may be applied. What makes ESC indispensable is the fact that a human driver is unable to apply the brakes individually, thus affording the computer a greater range of control.
In certain cars, a high-performance ESC system may be installed. With this system, the computer is programmed for a greater traction allowance so the car is able to skid more before the brakes engage.
When the system is activated, drivers are typically alerted with a warning light, while certain cars have an alarm that sounds. Part of the motive behind warning signals is the overinflated sense of confidence many drivers feel with stability control, thus the need to remind them of the vehicle's handling limits. In addition to a warning signal, each system will demonstrate different tendencies when activated. For example, the driver may feel the automatic pumping of the anti-lock brakes, or the car may shift direction slightly.
How Effective Is It?
ESC is responsible for a significant decrease in the number and severity of traffic collisions. By some reports, the technology is directly associated with an estimated 32% drop in risk for fatal multiple-vehicle crashes, and a 32% drop for fatal single-vehicle collisions. Overall, electronic vehicle stability control reduces the chances for a fatal collision by 43%. Including non-fatal crashes, the overall likelihood is reduced by 35%.
It's important to note that the technology is not perfect. It is still possible to lose control of your vehicle when you're driving on slick roads, over the speed limit, or with poorly inflated or worn out tires.
ESC versus TSC
Traction stability control (or TSC) is a predecessor of ESC. First implemented in 1987, TSC is only able to sense wheel slippage, and once detected, apply the brakes or decrease engine output - or both. While TSC can recover from certain slips, it is unable to compensate for all road conditions. In modern control systems, TSC has been incorporated into ESC.
Ideally, you'll never need to rely upon your vehicle's stability control system. However, like most of your car's safety features (for example, air bags), the technology is an invaluable tool that can literally save your life.
Overview Of ESC Technology
During a slip or skid, a wide array of sensors throughout your car send data to the onboard computer. By analyzing this information (i.e. yaw, wheel position, steering wheel position, speed, etc.), the brakes are applied individually in order to compensate. For example, during oversteer the brakes on the outer front wheel may be applied. What makes ESC indispensable is the fact that a human driver is unable to apply the brakes individually, thus affording the computer a greater range of control.
In certain cars, a high-performance ESC system may be installed. With this system, the computer is programmed for a greater traction allowance so the car is able to skid more before the brakes engage.
When the system is activated, drivers are typically alerted with a warning light, while certain cars have an alarm that sounds. Part of the motive behind warning signals is the overinflated sense of confidence many drivers feel with stability control, thus the need to remind them of the vehicle's handling limits. In addition to a warning signal, each system will demonstrate different tendencies when activated. For example, the driver may feel the automatic pumping of the anti-lock brakes, or the car may shift direction slightly.
How Effective Is It?
ESC is responsible for a significant decrease in the number and severity of traffic collisions. By some reports, the technology is directly associated with an estimated 32% drop in risk for fatal multiple-vehicle crashes, and a 32% drop for fatal single-vehicle collisions. Overall, electronic vehicle stability control reduces the chances for a fatal collision by 43%. Including non-fatal crashes, the overall likelihood is reduced by 35%.
It's important to note that the technology is not perfect. It is still possible to lose control of your vehicle when you're driving on slick roads, over the speed limit, or with poorly inflated or worn out tires.
ESC versus TSC
Traction stability control (or TSC) is a predecessor of ESC. First implemented in 1987, TSC is only able to sense wheel slippage, and once detected, apply the brakes or decrease engine output - or both. While TSC can recover from certain slips, it is unable to compensate for all road conditions. In modern control systems, TSC has been incorporated into ESC.
Ideally, you'll never need to rely upon your vehicle's stability control system. However, like most of your car's safety features (for example, air bags), the technology is an invaluable tool that can literally save your life.
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