The UN body responsible for vehicle standards has adopted a new global regulation on Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for cars in a key move to ensure that the anti-skid technology is used around the world.
The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (UNECE WP29) adopted the Global Technical Regulation (GTR) on ESC for light duty vehicles and passenger cars at a meeting in Geneva on 26 June.
It follows long running work to develop the GTR and calls for global standards by the FIA Foundation which plays a lead role in the ChooseESC! campaign.
The global regulation is an essential prerequisite for ESC to be used around the world. National governments will be able to use the GTR as a basis for their own legislation – as will the EU which is proposing to make ESC mandatory from 2012 following similar commitments in the US, Canada and Australia.
A global technical regulation would specify requirements for systems to help drivers keep control of their vehicle and outline the risk of death and serious injury resulting from loss of control.
According to the proposal for the regulation, which has been sponsored by the US, it would specify the definitional requirements for ESC systems, demand that vehicles be equipped with the technology and meet rigorous performance tests.
ESC has huge potential as a life saving technology if it were adopted around the world. In Europe alone 4,000 lives and 100,000 injuries could be avoided every year
David Ward Director General of the FIA Foundation and ChooseESC! Campaign Chairman said: “We can now start to make real progress on ESC around the world with this new Global Technical Regulation. The US had been leading the way but we can now begin working towards mandatory installation globally of this crucial life saving technology.”
The UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations which put the GTR together is part of the UN Economic Commission for Europe. It negotiates agreements on motor vehicle technical regulations such as crash test standards and design requirements for key safety devices including seat belts under two international agreements adopted in 1958 and 1998.