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Big Brother's Mandatory Stability Control
The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency has finalized a ruling requiring that by 2012
all automobiles under 10,000 pounds be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
The motivation for these ESC systems being made mandatory is to reduce deaths from automobile
accidents by a projected 10,000 a year as well as reduce SUV rollovers by 60%. Obviously this
is a good idea that no one would dare challenge, right? Well before you get too excited
about your next car's mandatory ESC system consider the following points.
The NHTSA describes the stability control system as unnoticeable and transparent to the driver.
Have you ever driven a vehicle with stability or traction control? I have and I can promise
you that the systems are not transparent and are very easy to notice. An average driver
may not mind the system's interference and might appreciate the feeling of added safety, but
the recreational driver will loathe the system from the start. Now before you jump up on
your soap box I am not referring to ignorant, reckless drivers that weave through traffic
above speed limits as recreational drivers. Recreational drivers are the folks that buy
sporty cars and take them to the track and car events. These new ESC systems will always be
on unlike current systems which have a switch. How is a recreational driver going to enjoy
his day at the track if he can't disable the system?
Unlike ABS systems which don't impede your driving freedoms and were never made mandatory,
the ESC systems do control and limit your freedoms in your car and will be mandatory by 2012.
It's just the next example of our Government deciding what is best for us! What if these
mandatory ESC systems aren't what is best for us though?
People drive their automobiles in a fairly carefree reckless manner, whether a small compact or a
goliath SUV. Autos, especially newer ones, make people feel invincible. The air tight cabins,
smooth riding suspensions, and abundant horsepower create a faulty feeling of security for the
driver and passengers. One more system that adds even more false security to these drivers
seems like a bad idea to me. The ESC systems will only increase the likelihood for a driver
to over estimate their or the vehicles capabilities especially during inclement weather.
There has already been a similar mandate put on manufacturers before. Most vehicles come
with governors that prevent the vehicle from surpassing speeds deemed safe for the vehicle
and tire combination. Most SUVs and trucks can not go faster than 100 mph thanks to these
factory governors. Guess what though, these systems are easily bypassed. Parts can be
purchased specifically for bypassing the speed governors and there is no reason the same
won't happen for the ESC systems. In fact, it is likely that before 2012 when the ESC systems
become mandatory that aftermarket parts will already be available to bypass the systems.
The mandatory ESC system is just our Government's way of saying "you don't know what is
best for you, here let me take care of you". Sure you might not be giving up much freedom
with this little system in your car but it is nonetheless another step toward a scenario similar
to that scary book entitled 1984. What is worse though is that the system probably won't even
accomplish what it is expected too.
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