100m Bosch ESP systems make driving safer globally

Bosch has produced 100 million ESP systems since the start of series production in 1995. In the process, the company has made a significant contribution to making driving safer. Especially on slippery roads, but also in instances where vehicles drive into bends too quickly, the electronic stability program helps keep vehicles on course and prevent skidding accidents, which often have serious consequences, according to a press statement from the company.

 “In recent years, ESP has demonstrably saved lives,” says Gerhard Steiger, the president of the Bosch Chassis Systems Control division, summing up the findings of several effectiveness studies. “Moreover, ESP is an important building block for high-performance assistance functions and automated driving.” Bosch developed the anti-skid technology and, in 1995, was the first company worldwide to start series production of the system.

After the seatbelt, ESP is the car’s most important safety system. According to studies, it can prevent up to 80pc of skidding accidents. A detailed analysis of the comprehensive German In-depth Accident Study’s (GIDAS) database shows that in 2011, 540 lives were saved in Germany alone as a result of ESP. This year, 60pc of all cars on the country’s roads were equipped with the electronic guardian angel.