U.S. to Require Electronic Stability Control on Cars by 2012

April 5, 2007

  • April 5, 2007 at 3:14 am
    jim says:
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    Expecting more lawsuit vs car manufacturer

  • April 5, 2007 at 3:41 am
    tim says:
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    I already have this feature in my Beetle. It does add complexity to the machine. When it kicks-in, it feels odd; the brakes hitting on selective wheels and power on others. Its an odd sensation.

  • April 5, 2007 at 4:51 am
    KLS says:
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    Do you like it? I\’ve been considering one, but I\’m not hearing great things about their maintenance records. My goal is to replace my current persnickety vehicle with something that doesn\’t need a mechanic under it after every 25 miles.

    Thanks for any info you might have.

  • April 6, 2007 at 10:23 am
    Dilbert` says:
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    Is this just a conspiracy of the auto makers to continue to jack the price of new cars to exorbitant levels?

    It is another example of trying to appease the minority of accidents by addressing the majority of drivers. I don\’t want to have to pay thousands of dollars more for something I will probably never need.

    How much have airbags & antilock brakes added to the cost of autos? Consider the additional expenses for maintenance and after an accident to repair.

    All I want is a basic car that I can drive back and forth to work and do the maintenance on myself. I don\’t want to have to pay $20,000 for all the extras.

  • April 6, 2007 at 11:44 am
    El Squid says:
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    Heaven forbid that we should actually require licensed drivers to have driving skills and knowledge before they are allowed to drive a motor vehicle. Electronic nanny devices like electronic stability control are for people that should be taking the bus or riding as passengers in a car. The Feds assume that we are all helpless and incompetent and that we are not capable of learning how to drive a freaking car.

    I totally support technology that reduces emissions and I have always used 3-point seat belts. My daily driver car has multiple killer balloons (airbags) and I have left them alone. I turn off the traction control system every time I start my car because I can stop in shorter distances with the ABS disabled. I have had competition and law enforcement pursuit training with actually enables me to control my car on curves and slippery surfaces. People who can\’t learn to control their vehicles shouldn\’t drive.

    All of this governmental meddling makes me want to use my Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite as my daily driver instead of my Pontiac GTP. The Sprite requires lots of input and skill on my part to drive it safely. It keeps me alert and allows me to have fun.But then the Feds don\’t like fun do they?

    OK. I\’m done ranting.

  • April 6, 2007 at 12:13 pm
    Jewel says:
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    I like your post…

    And while I know there are many, many good drivers out there, I do have two comments:

    \”The Feds assume that we are all helpless and incompetent and that we are not capable of learning how to drive a freaking car.\” Have you driven in Orlando, Florida lately? ;)

    \”People who can\’t learn to control their vehicles shouldn\’t drive.\”
    Unfortunately, they do continue to drive though… :(

    I am not disagreeing with your points… just letting you know how they drive in Florida :D

  • April 6, 2007 at 1:45 am
    El Squid says:
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    Hi Jewel,

    How right you are. I have driven in Orlanda recently as well as in Phoenix (where I live),Miami, and Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Columbus, Ohio, and lots of other places.

    Unfortunately teens and the elderly tend to drive their cars upside down and sideways. There is hope for the teens, but the elderly (I will be elderly soon!) need to be tested regularly and have their driving priveleges suspended when the time comes. I personally took my Mom and Dad\’s car keys away when they became dangerous behind the wheel.

    Those drivers that fall in between those two age groups are a little better but not much. They are unskilled and unattentive. Electronic stability control will allow everyone to plow into my car in a perfectly straight line instead of weaving and wobbling before they hit me. If I\’m in the Sprite when this happens I\’m toast.

  • April 6, 2007 at 1:58 am
    DWT says:
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    I hate the thought of more regulatioins being forced onto any business group. The real problem though is that now tht this technology is available, some keen lawyer will sue at the next oppurtunity because the manufacturer failed to install this technology into their vehicles, thus creating an unacceptable risk to the public.

  • April 6, 2007 at 2:25 am
    Jewel says:
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    El Squid-

    Well put…

    Hmmm. I don\’t want you to become toast… I think it would be great if we could send all lousy drivers to another planet where they can duke it out among themselves.

    I\’ve been to Phoenix… the lack of humidity is great! Florida humidity is gross :(

    Have a great weekend!

    Jewel



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