Electronic stability control required for all U.S. cars in 2012

New York (NY) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency has issued a ruling that would require almost all cars in the 2012 model year to include electronic stability control (ESC). ESC would work in conjunction with anti-lock brakes and would reduce loss of control and rollovers. The agency predicts that 9,600 lives could be saved annually if the automakers include ESC as standard equipment.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and National Highway Traffic Safety Agency head Nicole Nason announced the changes at the New York Auto Show. All cars, trucks and busses weighing less than 10,000 pounds would be affected. Peters and Nason say ESC could reduce passenger car crashes by 34% and SUV crashes by an impressive 59%. In addition, the system could reduce rollover accidents of passenger cars and SUVs by 71% and 84% respectively.

The agency predicts the changes would add around $500 more to the cost of every vehicle. Some auto makers say they will include ESC much earlier than the 2012 deadline. GM will have ESC as standard equipment in 2010, while Toyota promises the feature in 2009.

You can read the entire text of the ruling here - http://www.safercar.gov/esc/Rule.pdf