Computer-controlled braking systems in cars and light trucks are saving thousands of lives in the United States, according to a three-year study released on Friday by federal safety regulators.<\/p>\n
The systems have been required on all light-duty trucks and passenger vehicles under a 2007 federal safety regulation. The requirement was phased in over the years covered by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study.<\/p>\n
It estimated that the technology saved more than 2,200 lives from 2008 through 2010, including 634 in 2008, 705 in 2009 and 863 in 2010.<\/p>\n
So-called electronic stability control systems use computer-controlled braking of individual wheels to help drivers keep control of a vehicle that is beginning to swerve or lose stability.<\/p>\n
All new light vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2011 are required to have the system. In May, the NHTSA proposed a new federal motor vehicle safety standard to require electronic stability control (ESC) systems on large commercial trucks and large buses for the first time.<\/p>\n
In a statement on Friday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: “As more vehicles on the road are equipped with ESC in the coming years, we know the technology will save even more lives.”<\/p>\n
The agency said applying the technology to the heavy-duty fleet could prevent up to 56 percent of rollover crashes each year and 14 percent of loss-of-control crashes in those vehicles.<\/p>\n
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