New research published by the Department for Transport shows vehicles equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are 25% less likely to be involved in fatal accidents.
In addition, it also reveals that less than half of new cars sold in the UK have ESC fitted as standard. This compares poorly with 58% in Germany and 75% in Sweden. Whilst progress on standard fitment has been made, with a rise of 7% over 2006 figures, this level of fitment remains disappointing, since approximately 380 lives could be saved annually if the UK motorist had the same fitment levels as those in Scandinavia.
Researchers are urging manufacturers to fit ESC as standard across their model ranges to help prevent the risk of collisions and cut unnecessary deaths.
In Sweden, both Vauxhall and Toyota supply every car in their entire model range with ESC fitted as standard. But in the UK, the ESC fitment on Vauxhalls and Toyotas is sadly lacking, with only two models from each of these ranges sold with ESC as standard. This is an appalling fact, as manufactures know the benefits of ESP and how it can make a real difference in preventing accidents from occurring. So surely they have an obligation to fit this technology as standard across their model ranges.
Come on all you British motorists, let’s retaliate. Only buy cars with ESP fitted as standard. That will force these manufacturers not to discriminate against us.
Jackie Violet