Euro NCAP Includes Tests On Stability Control Systems

Euro NCAP, a safety performance assessment organisation responsible for testing cars on sale across Europe, has begun conducting tests on stability control systems to determine their effectiveness. While all of the initial batch of 40 cars tested passed the test, Euro NCAP highlighted that the Alfa Romeo MiTo and Subaru Impreza had room for improvement.

Although the MiTo passed the test overall, it failed when the car's three-mode DNA (Dynamic, Normal, All-weather) system was set to Dynamic. The Impreza was criticised because the stability control system could be switched off accidentally without the driver knowing.

Studies have concluded that cars with stability control systems are 25 percent less likely to be involved in fatal road accidents. In a 2006 report by Bernama, the United Nations (UN) ranked Malaysia as the 30th in the world with the highest number of fatal crashes, which translates into an average of 4.5 deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles.

While the root cause of many accidents can be traced back to the negligent driving attitude of motorists, just imagine how many lives will be saved if most, if not all, cars on Malaysian roads are fitted with stability control systems. It of course does not help that none of the Proton and Perodua models are equipped with this necessary safety feature.