Electronic stability control reduces the risk of rollover crashes, such as are common with SUVs.
a) True
b) False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct answer: a) True
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a safety feature in modern vehicles that significantly reduces the risk of rollover crashes, particularly in SUVs. It works by detecting and reducing loss of traction or skidding. When the system detects that the vehicle is losing grip, it automatically applies brakes to individual wheels and adjusts engine power to help the driver regain control.
Rollover crashes are more common in SUVs, trucks, and other high-center-of-gravity vehicles due to their design, which can make them more prone to tipping over, especially in sharp turns or emergency maneuvers. ESC helps mitigate this risk by ensuring that the vehicle remains stable during such events. It also prevents oversteering or understeering, which are common causes of loss of control and subsequent rollovers.
The system uses various sensors, including yaw rate sensors, steering angle sensors, and wheel speed sensors, to determine the vehicle’s stability. When a dangerous situation is detected, ESC steps in to prevent a rollover or loss of control. It also provides assistance in situations where the driver might overcorrect, as it can counteract the steering inputs to keep the vehicle in line.
In fact, research has shown that ESC reduces the likelihood of rollovers by up to 80% in certain scenarios. As such, it has been proven to be a critical feature in preventing rollover crashes, making it especially important for SUVs and vehicles with higher rollover risks. Since its introduction in the early 2000s, ESC has become a standard feature in many new vehicles, and its presence has been linked to a decline in traffic fatalities and accidents.