“Choose ESC!” kicks off 8 May in Rome

Date: 22 February 2007

Pan-European campaign promotes awareness of Electronic Stability Control systems.

On 8 May, the eSafetyAware! Communication platform will launch its campaign “Choose ESC!” (Electronic Stability Control) at the Bridgestone European Testing Centre near Rome, Italy. The campaign, which is supported by the European Commission, is a major pan-European initiative to promote consumer awareness of the life saving potential of ESC systems.

eSafetyAware! seeks to accelerate the market introduction of such life-saving technologies by organising information campaigns and dedicated events aimed at creating awareness of eSafety benefits among policy-makers and end-users. The communication platform is open to all with an interest in eSafety. ERTICO – ITS Europe is a member, along with its Partners FIA, ADAC, ACEA, Continental Automotive Systems, Robert Bosch, Ygomi, KLPD, Swedish Road Administration, UK Department for Transport and DEKRA. The European Commission is a strong supporter of the initiative.

Moving towards harmonisation
The 8 May event will also feature an ESC test track demonstration and the release by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) of an EU-wide ESC availability survey. It will be opened by eSafetyAware! Patrons European Commissioner for Information Society and Media Viviane Reding and Max Mosley, President of the FIA/ERTICO President and Spokesman. Further speakers include representatives from Euro NCAP and ACEA.

The launch will also contain an international dimension with high-level participation from the US National Highway Administration (NHTSA) which has recently proposed an international standard for ESC systems at the United Nations World Forum for Harmonization Vehicle Regulations (WP29). 

Invited participants will include all the major stakeholders in intelligent vehicle safety systems including motoring organisations, consumer groups, motor industry and related service suppliers, and national authorities from EU member states.

More information about the “Choose ESC!” campaign is available on www.eSafetyAware.eu