The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently conducted a study that proved the federally-mandated electronic stability control (ESC) technology is saving an increasing number of live every year.

Over the recent years, under a federal safety regulation issued in 2007, ESC became mandatory on all light-duty trucks and passenger vehicles. This requirement was applied to all light manufactured vehicles built on or after September 1, 2011 and so far, the technology has saved 2,202 lives from 2008 to 2010 alone.

Showing a continual increase over the recent years, data from this study specified that 634 lives were saved in 2008, 705 lives saved in 2009. and 863 lives in 2010. ESC systems found in modern vehicles help drivers maintain control of a vehicle as it begins to lose directional control and/or stability which potentially avoids a serious accident by using a computer-controlled braking of individual wheels.

“NHTSA research has consistently shown ESC systems are especially effective in helping a driver maintain vehicle control and avoid some of the most dangerous types of crashes on the highway including deadly vehicle rollover situations or in keeping drivers form completely running off the roadway,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.