A University of Iowa study finds electronic stability control, or E-S-C, is very valuable in helping motorists avoid crashes. E-S-C is found primarily in luxury cars but it may someday soon become more common, according to Ginger Watson, chief applications scientist at the U-of-I’s National Advanced Driving Simulator. Watson defines E-S-C.It’s safety equipment that helps the driver maintain control and prevents crashes before they occur. It can detect when a driver is about to lose control and automatically intervenes to control stability and to help the driver stay on course. In the study, done at the driving simulator in Iowa City, Watson says 120 test drivers were put behind the wheel.The study concludes 34-percent more drivers maintained control of their vehicles with E-S-C than without. Three scenarios were used, where drivers were confronted with tight curves, strong wind gusts and having to avoid obstacles. Watson says E-S-C has proven its value in the study and she expects we’ll be hearing more about that feature on less expensive cars in the future.Watson says using the National Advanced Driving Simulator allowed scientists to observe human behavior and measure drivers’ reactions in conditions that would be too dangerous to conduct in real life. She says the study provides evidence to previous claims that E-S-C can prevent crashes and help save thousands of lives.
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