NHTSA Study
DRIVER'S DIGEST 4 TECHNOLOGY T oday no one doubts it. Electronic stability control systems on heavy trucks reduce truck rollover events thereby saving lives and preventing injuries. The recently completed National Highway Traffi c Safety Administration (NHTSA) study on stability control systems simply confi rmed what everyone already suspected. But then, that was never really the issue. The real issue and discussion within the industry revolves around which type of system full-stability control systems (ESC) or roll-only systems (RSC) is the most effective and cost effi cient in accomplish-ing that task. The fi ndings from the NHTSA study helps clarify that issue as well. It concluded that: Assuming that all existing 5-axle tractor-trailers on U.S. roads were fi tted with RSC: The expected annual rollover relevant safety benefi t would be a reduction of 3,489 crashes, 106 fatalities and 4,384 injuries. Savings from rollovers prevented are estimated at $1.409 billion annually and from loss of control (LOC) crashes prevented $47 million annually for a total estimated benefi t of $1.456 billion per year. Alternatively, assuming that all existing 5-axle tractor-trailers operating on U.S. roads were fi tted with ESC: The expected annual combined rollover and directional (yaw) instability relevant safety benefi t would climb producing a reduction of 4,659 crashes, 126 fatalities and 5,909 injuries. Savings from rollovers prevented by ESC are estimated at $1.527 billion annually and from LOC crashes prevented at $210 million annually for a total of $1.738 billion annually. Put another way, among crashes analyzed, the use of ESC would have resulted in: 34% fewer crashes than RSC 19% fewer fatalities than RSC 35% fewer injuries than RSC 19% greater economic savings than RSC. Volvo's dedication to safety places us well ahead of the curve in offering the most efficient and cost effective enhanced vehicle stability system available the Volvo Enhanced Stability Sys-tem with traction control, or VEST. In fact, Volvo and Mack are the only brands of trucks to make a full stability control system standard equipment. As safety continues to increase in importance as a purchase motivator, make sure you keep your customers and prospects informed on the benefits, both functionally and financially, VEST and other safety features bring to the table. The full final NHTSA report can be can be found on the NHTSA website at www. nhtsa.dot.gov. STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS NHTSA STUDY CONFIRMS ADVANTAGES OF FULL Savings from rollovers prevented by full-stability control systems are esti-mated at $1.527 billion annually.