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Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Significant Life-Saving Technology For All New Passenger Vehicles Introduced by U.S. Department of Transportation

Electronic Stability Control Unveiled by Secretary Mary E. Peters and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole R. Nason

The country's top transportation officials recently unveiled plans to make new crash prevention technology standard equipment on every new passenger vehicle sold in America by 2012, a move that could ultimately save up to 10,000 lives each year on U.S. roadways.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters announced the decision to require the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on all new passenger vehicles during a tour with auto makers at the New York International Auto Show. ESC relies on automatic computer controlled braking to keep drivers from losing control on slippery roads or in emergency maneuvers, thereby preventing deadly rollovers from occurring in most cases.

"This technology will save thousands of lives. Like airbags and seat belts, ten years down the road we will look back at the new ESC technology and wonder how we ever drove a car without it," said Secretary Peters.

"ESC technology will put the brakes on crashes and help drivers keep control of their cars in critical situations," said Administrator Nason. "ESC works, it will save lives, and it can give American drivers and passengers the peace of mind that comes from knowing their vehicles have some of the most technologically advanced safety equipment available."

Commencing with model year 2009, all manufacturers will be required to begin outfitting passenger vehicles with ESC, and to have the feature available as standard equipment on every new passenger vehicle by the model year 2012.

It is estimated by the agency that ESC will save among 5,300 and 9,600 lives annually, and prevent between 168,000 and 238,000 injuries. ESC is estimated to cost approximately $111 per vehicle, assuming the model already features ABS brakes.

The National Safety Commission has created a drivers license test preparation course dedicated to helping people successfully pass the Driver's License Exam. Try a DMV Practice Test now and test your safe driving knowledge.

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