For the very first time, Euro NCAP can now release data on ESC (Electronic Stability Control) performance, thanks to the investigation and research work of Thatcham. The Berkshire based research centre evaluated over 40 new vehicles on the track, based on the internationally recognised GTR (Global Technical Regulation) procedure. The programme funded by Euro NCAP, tested those vehicle makes and models which were originally crash-tested by the European safety organisation in 2009. Data received will assist the efforts of Euro NCAP, Thatcham and other safety experts in establishing an ESC performance rating in the future.
Thatcham has been publishing fitment ratings for ESC (Electronic Stability Control) since 2006 to raise awareness of this important safety technology and to encourage drivers to buy cars fitted with the system as standard. Since 2009, ESC fitment is also a key component of Euro NCAP’s overall car assessment in the area of Safety Assist. .
The aim of Thatcham’s dynamic ESC tests is to assess whether the ESC systems sold on cars will actually operate effectively. The tests involve the car being driven at 50mph and being subjected to a double lane change – a typical high speed avoidance manoeuvre under the control of a sophisticated steering robot. The Thatcham dynamic ESC performance data are now available on Euro NCAP’s website www.euroncap.com .
ESC prevents the driver losing control in a skid automatically controlling the vehicle by comparing the steering and braking actions carried out by the driver to what the vehicle is actually doing. If the ESC system senses that the vehicle is veering from the required course – a skid – it automatically brakes selected wheels to bring the car back into line.
UK based research has found that vehicles equipped with ESC are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without it and that if every vehicle on the road were fitted with ESC, this would equate to approximately 380 fewer fatal accidents each year.
Thatcham provide a full set of ESC ratings and information via their website www.thatcham.org/esc
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