Electronic stability control Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
also referred to as electronic stability program (ESP) or
dynamic stability control (DSC), is a computerized technology
that improves the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting
and reducing loss of traction (skidding). When ESC detects loss
of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help
"steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go. Braking is
automatically applied to wheels individually, such as the outer
front wheel to counter oversteer or the inner rear wheel to
counter understeer. Some ESC systems also reduce engine power
until control is regained. ESC does not improve a vehicle's
cornering performance; instead, it helps to minimize the loss of
control. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and
the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one-
third of fatal accidents could have been prevented by the use of
the technology. In 1987, the earliest innovators of ESC,
Mercedes-Benz and BMW, i