Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems were first introduced in the mid 1990’s. This technology is proving itself by preventing crashes and saving lives each day. Several studies from Europe and Japan have shown significant reductions in serious crashes and fatalities when vehicles are equipped with ESC. Results of recent studies in the U.S. now confirm these gains also apply on the U. S. highways.

Now that ESC is in place on many vehicles, this technology has become a baseline for expansion of Active Safety functions to further reduce crashes. These systems add sensors and actuators to ESC to anticipate crashes and integrate other vehicle safety systems to further protect the vehicle occupants. This Active – Passive Integration Approach will enter the market in the next few years and promises another major step in reducing traffic crashes and the tragedies that result.