The stability control system, once a luxury extra, is today an indispensable safety standard in every car. Its history is an example of how innovations can change our ideas about safe driving, turning it from a privilege for a select few into a mandatory norm for everyone.
In the 1990s, when the automotive industry was looking for new ways to improve safety, Bosch developed a revolutionary technology - the stability control system (ESP/ESC). It made its debut as an option in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140) in 1995. At that time, the idea of electronics that actively correct the behavior of the car while driving was completely new and available only to the highest class of vehicles.
The main function of ESP is to prevent loss of control of the car in critical situations, such as sharp turns, sudden avoidance of an obstacle or driving on slippery surfaces. The system uses numerous sensors that constantly monitor whether the direction set by the driver's steering wheel coincides with the actual trajectory of the car. When a deviation is detected, it instantly activates the brakes on individual wheels and/or reduces engine power to return the vehicle to the desired direction.
Initially, ESP was perceived as an expensive and complex extra that only a few could afford. However, its effectiveness in preventing traffic accidents quickly became apparent. Numerous studies have shown that ESP reduces the risk of fatal crashes by between 20 and 30%, making it one of the most significant innovations in automotive safety after seat belts and airbags.
The recognition of the life-saving role of ESP led to its gradual spread. In the 2000s, more and more car manufacturers began to offer it as standard equipment in their more expensive models or as a widely available option in lower classes. The culmination of this process occurred in 2011 in the European Union and in 2012 in the USA, when legislative changes were introduced that made the stability control system mandatory for all new passenger cars.
Today, ESP/ESC is an integral part of the standard equipment of almost every new car, regardless of its class, size or price. It is a shining example of how a technological innovation that started as a luxury extra has transformed into a fundamental element of road safety, helping to save countless lives and increasing the confidence of drivers around the world.