Electronic Stability Control and Sport Utility Vehicles
San Antonio Electronic Stability Control Lawyers – (210) 298-6666 - (800) 519-2800
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, electronic stability control (ESC) helps a driver maintain control of a vehicle in the event that the vehicle begins traveling in a direction other than intended by the driver. That is, when a driver attempts to make a hard turn, or is susceptible to vehicle sliding in slippery conditions, then the vehicle is prone to either understeer (insufficient traction on the front tires results in forward skidding during turns) or oversteer (insufficient traction in the rear tires results in the rear of the vehicle turning more than the driver intends). In either event, ESC can greatly diminish the likelihood of steering problems, improving the chances that a motorist will remain safe and avoid losing control of the vehicle.
ESC uses the speed sensors located on each wheel as well as the angle of the wheels to determine when a vehicle is about to make a turn. In preparation of turning, ESC will anticipate if the vehicle is about to travel in a direction other than the direction indicated by the driver via the driver’s use of the steering wheel. If ESC does sense the car traveling in a different direction, then it will automatically utilize the appropriate brakes to slow the car down and prevent said wrong-way travel. The function works in tandem with anti-lock brakes, and provides the motorist with a safer driving experience, especially during inclement weather and under tight turn situations where the motorist needs as much assistance controlling the vehicle as possible.
In being such a useful tool for motorists, one would assume that ESC is utilized on all motor vehicles. However, not all sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are equipped with ESC, which makes little sense considering that SUVs have a high propensity for rolling over. SUVs, with a high center of gravity, are designed in such a manner that rolling over is a relatively common danger associated with them. If ESC is installed on all SUVs, then the likelihood of rolling over is greatly diminished. That is, if ESC can prevent an SUV from skidding, with either the back or front wheel attempting to continue in a direction other than the one that the motorist intends, then the probability of the SUV rolling over is decreased, ultimately creating a safer vehicle for motorists everywhere to drive.
While it is common knowledge that rollovers are associated with SUVs, not all SUV manufacturers have installed such stability control systems in their vehicles. In many cases, manufacturers had the technology and the feasibility to install ESC on SUVs but chose not to or made it available as an option. Safety, however should never be an option.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an SUV rollover, and you believe that the rollover could have been prevented had ESC been installed in the vehicle, please contact the auto product liability lawyers at Cichowski & Gonzalez. Our skilled personal injury attorneys will examine the details of your accident, and will determine whether or not negligence on the part of the manufacturer played a contributing role. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation.