Posted on August 1, 2007 by Regan Zambri & Long

Electronic Stability Control May Be Incompatible With Custom Auto Parts

An automotive trade association says Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may not be compatible with aftermarket parts like custom wheels and suspension modifications, and warns that a new rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) could have unintended adverse effects on driver safety and the customization industry.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has reported that by preventing automobile impacts altogether, ESC technology could save more lives than airbags.  In response, however, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has expressed concern that the new federal safety guidelines, which require ESC in all new vehicles by 2012, don't account for the fact that many automobiles are modified or customized at some point in their useful lives, and that few are driven as "factory original" for the entire length of time they're owned.  According to a study last year by Consumer Reports, 73% of respondents in vehicle-owning households reported customizing their vehicles in some way or planning to.

SEMA contends that due to the complexity and relative novelty of ECS technology, its compatibility with custom parts is not fully understood, and that common vehicle modifications may inadvertently deactivate ESC systems, cause them to fail, or render them useless.  The group had argued that the proposed NHTSA guidelines should not be adopted until the potential incompatibility was better understood.

Public Citizen, a national non-profit public interest organization, has issued a statement criticizing the NHTSA for the regulations, as well.  The group says that the minimum standard required by NHTSA under the new rule is actually lower than most manufacturers voluntarily provide, already.  The advocacy group fears that the new rule will encourage automakers to use less effective ESC technology in order to save building costs.

The new rule is the latest development in a string of recent ESC-related news releases.  Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles on:

If you or a family member has been involved in an automobile accident case, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.
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