DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

A recent article by Herb Weisbaum (aka "Consumerman") stresses that automobile purchasers should pay closer attention to a vehicle's safety features rather than it's color and style.  A potential car buyer should look to see if the vehicle possesses key safety equipment and options.  One new and important safety measure is Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

ESC uses computer sensors to monitor the motion of your car.  If it detects that your vehicle is about go out of control it will automatically reduce the speed and brake individual wheels as needed. This feature allows the driver to concentrate on steering.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that ESC reduces your risk of dying in a single-vehicle crash by more than 50 percent and lowers the likelihood of a rollover accident by 80 percent.