Stability control systems can provide substantial safety benefits for heavy trucks, with electronic stability control (ESC) systems more beneficial than roll stability control (RSC) systems
, according to a study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study concluded that both systems can greatly reduce the number of crashes, deaths and injuries on the highway.

According to the research, with ESC installed on the vehicle, the number of annual heavy truck crashes would decrease by 4,659 crashes, preventing 126 fatalities and 5,909 injuries. If all trucks were outfitted with ESC, it would result in savings of $1.738 billion annually because of the rollovers prevented.

With RSC installed on the vehicle, there would be 3,489 less crashes, preventing 106 fatalities and 4,384 injuries. Having all trucks outfitted with RSC would save $1.456 billion annually, according to the data.

The study was conducted by the UMTRI under a cooperative agreement between NHTSA and Meritor Wabco. The study was based on the analysis of independent crash datasets using engineering and statistical techniques to estimate the probable safety benefits of stability control technologies for 5-axle tractor-semitrailer vehicles.

"More and more fleets are recognizing full-stability technology as a valuable option for helping to mitigate accidents and improve their safety records," said Joe McAleese, Bendix president and CEO. "The answer to the question of full-stability versus roll-only options has been a topic of discussion for some time and becomes much clearer to the industry through the results of this report. There's just no comparison in terms of the added protection full-stability technology can provide."

"Tractor-semitrailer crashes tend to be complex events that involve factors not only in relation to crash cause, but also factors affecting post-crash yaw control that can result in secondary events that can increase the net severity of the crash sequence," the study said. "Therefore it is anticipated that technologies that address vehicle yaw control (such as ESC) would have additional benefits across a broad range of crash types. The study team was not able to provide an estimate for these additional benefits, so true amount of benefits to be realized is likely higher."

The access the full report, "Safety Benefits of Stability Control Systems For Tractor-Semitrailers," click here.