DOT Proposes Anti-rollover Devices in All New Vehicles

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed a new regulation requiring auto manufacturers to install new anti-rollover accident technology known as "electronic stability control" (ESC) as a standard feature on all new passenger vehicles. The device could save as many as 10,300 lives a year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A computer-controlled system, ESC enhances existing anti-lock braking systems by automatically applying differential breaking to individual wheels, thus helping the driver maintain control in skid situations. NHTSA refers to ESC as “the greatest life saving improvement since the safety belt.”

The proposed regulation would require all manufacturers to begin equipping passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds with ESC starting with the 2009 model year and to have the feature available as standard equipment on all vehicles by the 2012 model year.

Requiring the installation of ESC will add about $111 to the cost of vehicles already equipped with anti-lock breaks, according to NHTSA.

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