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New ratings for skid system
Date: 02 August 2006
A new system aimed at flagging up which vehicles offer electronic stability control as either standard or an option has been developed by Thatcham.
The motor research centre hopes to illustrate the effectiveness of ESC, also know as electronic stability protection or dynamic stability control, after American tests found that fitting ESC could cut fatal single-vehicle accidents in half. Safety bosses think that would also be the case in the UK.
Thatcham hopes to influence buyers toward vehicles that fit the technology that automatically brakes individual wheels to correct a vehicle's course when the system detects the vehicle could be out of control. It also hopes the publicity will push more manufacturers into fitting ESC as standard across their ranges.
According to Thatcham, many drivers are unaware of ESC's potential for saving lives and cutting accidents.
The rating system is due to be launched on 22 August.
