British motorists told to get a grip

By Bob Murray

20th July 2010

British motorists are being urged to get a grip and choose cars with electronic stability control (ESC) – even though it can add £432 to the price. 

Latest figures show only six out of 10 new models in the UK are fitted with the life-saving anti-skid system – way behind Sweden, where 99 per cent of new cars have it, Germany (80 per cent) and Spain (72 per cent).

At an eSafety Challenge event at Millbrook, Beds, last week, experts said car makers aren’t helping matters by being slow to make ESC standard on small models. It’s estimated the package costs firms £100 to fit – around a quarter of what buyers pay. ESC has to be included on all new types of car from 1 November 2011, and every single new model two years after that.

Fleet bosses are being blamed for the poor take-up – it’s claimed they prioritise comfort over safety. Road safety minister Mike Penning said: “Implementation rates are still alarmingly low across fleets.”

Insurance research centre Thatcham claims 380 lives would be saved every year if all vehicles on the road were fitted with ESC.