Electronic Stability Control (ESC): What Is It And How Does It Work?

Skip to content Road Safety Facts.eu .EU About Us Download PDF Pick a question Road safety: what progress has been made? Active safety systems: what are they and how do they work? Passive safety systems: what are they and how do they work? Why should we focus on active safety in the future? How can automated and connected vehicles improve road safety? What role do road users and infrastructure play in improving safety? Electronic stability control (ESC): what is it and how does it work?

Electronic stability control (ESC) helps prevent a vehicle from skidding – and the driver from losing control of his or her vehicle – when turning a corner, braking sharply or making a sudden manoeuvre. ESC technology automatically activates the brakes to help steer the vehicle in the right direction.

ESC is one of the key active safety systems that are already widely fitted to today’s passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Approximately 80-90% of the cars on Europe’s roads come equipped with ESC technology.

Active safety technology can prevent accidents from happening altogether or at least actively help the driver to reduce the impact of an emergency situation. Active systems give the driver more control in dangerous situations. To that end, various safety systems constantly monitor the performance and surroundings of a vehicle.

Simply put, active safety systems avoid or mitigate an accident pre-impact – so before it happens or contact is made.

Road safety: what progress has been made?Active safety systems: what are they and how do they work?Passive safety systems: what are they and how do they work?Why should we focus on active safety in the future?How can automated and connected vehicles improve road safety?What role do road users and infrastructure play in improving safety?

FAQ

ABS: what are anti-lock braking systems and how do they work? Autonomous emergency braking (AEB): what is it and how does it work? Lane departure warning (LDW): what is it and how does it work? Lane keeping assistance (LKA): what is it and how does it work? Drowsiness and attention detection: what is it and how does it work? Speed limit information (SLI): what is it and how does it work? ISA: what is intelligent speed assistance and how does it work? TPMS: what are tyre pressure monitoring systems and how do they work? Airbags: what are they and how do they work? Seatbelts: what are they and how do they work? Deformation / crumple zones: what are they and how do they work? How can road users improve safety? How can infrastructure improve road safety? Speeding: how can active safety help to prevent accidents?