ESC to Become Mandatory for All Canadian Vehicles
Auto manufacturers will have to install Electronic Stability Control (ESC) safety technology in Canadian vehicles beginning in August, 2011.
Canada's Transport Minister John Baird announced that to help drivers avoid road collisions, effective August 31, 2011, auto manufacturers must install Electronic Stability Control (ESC) safety technology in Canadian vehicles.
As discussed in the summer edition of AMA Fleet Safety News, ESC is designed to automatically apply braking to certain wheels when a vehicle is skidding and may also cut engine power to help the driver maintain proper control.
Transport Canada data shows that vehicles equipped with ESC are involved in fewer severe collisions caused by loss of control, resulting in significantly fewer deaths and injuries compared to those that are not equipped with ESC.
ESC helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle in situations such as making emergency manoeuvres (swerving or braking to avoid an obstacle) and turning corners on slippery surfaces.
Also ESC technology is one of the most significant advancements in automobile safety technology since the introduction of the seatbelt.
The new standard will apply to:
- Passenger cars.
- Multi-purpose vehicles.
- Trucks and buses weighing 4,536 kilograms or less.
The timeline for manufacturers to install ESC in vehicles in Canada coincides with its adoption in the United States.
