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Transport Canada is concerned about safety!

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Amyot Bachand
Electronic stability control systems

Ottawa, July 18 - The Ergonomics and Crash Avoidance division of Transport Canada invited some 40 organisations, such as the The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) and the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), to discuss an upcoming education campaign on the benefits of electronic stability control (ESC) systems. This division is headed by Transport Canada's Road Safety and Automobile Regulation Directorate.


A new rule in sight

The United States recently ruled that all light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickup trucks) have to feature ESC by September 1st, 2011. In Canada, the plan is to follow this lead with a law that would be enforced one year later than our Southern neighbors.

A campaign, what for?
First, to educate Canadians on the benefits of ESC and second, to put pressure on automakers to include the system as standard equipment on all their vehicles. Right now, only premium models or higher-end versions of lower models feature ESC. It is not available on entry-level vehicles or as a stand-alone option. Most of the time, ESC systems are included in expensive option packages. However, if a growing number of consumers demand this safety feature, then car manufacturers and dealerships will have to change their strategy and focus on safety instead of performance or convenience.

Why is ESC important?
International studies have clearly shown that these systems can reduce fatalities by more than 20 percent in single-vehicle accidents. European and American experts have also found out that ESC reduces the severity of injuries by more than 40 percent in the same type of accidents. Think about all the crashes where a loss of control was induced by excessive speed, bad road conditions or driver distractions.


How does ESC works?
Sensors are mounted inside the wheels, on the steering and in the center of the vehicle to monitor every movement. When irregularities are detected, the system sends the appropriate amount of braking power to each wheel in order to help the car stay on the driver's intended path. It also cuts engine power to slow down the vehicle more quickly. ESC therefore helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle.
Amyot Bachand
Amyot Bachand
Automotive expert
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