ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is a safety technology that provides built-in stability and control to help drivers avoid crashes by reducing the likelihood of skidding.

How ESC works

ESC works by monitoring the vehicle’s direction as compared to the direction of the steering wheel. This is done upwards of 20 times per second. When the vehicle is driving in a direction that is not in line with the driver’s desired path (i.e. a skid) or if the vehicle’s tires spin, the ESC system will automatically apply braking to certain wheels and it may cut engine power to help the driver regain proper control.

While a human driver can also detect skids and wheel spin, by the time a driver detects this, it may already be too late to prevent loss of control. By having ESC running in the background, the ESC system can actively prevent and reduce skidding conditions and wheel spin before the driver becomes aware of the problem.

The benefits of ESC

ESC technology is one of the most significant advancements in automobile safety technology since the introduction of the seatbelt. Transport Canada estimates that ESC may reduce certain types of motor vehicle crashes in Canada by 30%, resulting in approximately 225 fewer deaths and 755 fewer serious injuries per year.