Euro NCAP has released data and videos of testing of ESC (Electronic Stability Control) performance.

The aim of the ESC tests is to assess whether the ESC systems sold on cars will actually operate effectively.

The tests involve the car being driven at 50mph and being subjected to a double lane change – a typical high speed avoidance manoeuvre under the control of a sophisticated steering robot.

Thatcham research centre evaluated over 40 new vehicles on the track, based on the internationally recognised GTR (Global Technical Regulation) procedure in a programme funded by Euro NCAP.

It tested those vehicle makes and models which were originally crash-tested by Euro NCAP in 2009.

Since 2009, ESC fitment has been a key component of Euro NCAP’s overall car assessment in the area of Safety Assist.

ESC prevents the driver losing control in a skid automatically controlling the vehicle by comparing the steering and braking actions carried out by the driver to what the vehicle is actually doing. If the ESC system senses that the vehicle is veering from the required course – a skid – it automatically brakes selected wheels to bring the car back into line.

UK based research has found that vehicles equipped with ESC are 25% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without it and that if every vehicle on the road were fitted with ESC, this would equate to approximately 380 fewer fatal accidents each year.

The videos can be viewed here: