This year Bosch celebrates 10 years of ESP, as a decade ago, Bosch became the first supplier to begin series production of its Electronic Stability Program (ESP) technology. ESP is a braking system which prevents a car from skidding in critical driving conditions. It can be traced back to 1983 when engineers at Bosch sought to optimise the anti-lock braking system (ABS) - the technology that allows drivers to steer around obstacles under emergency, straight-line braking – to ensure better vehicle stability.  Today, ESP incorporates advances in ABS along with traction control (TCS).

To mark this milestone, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, patron of RoadSafe, attended a reception at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in London to celebrate with leading representatives from the road safety and motor industries. Prince Michael congratulated Bosch on the development of ESP and pointed out the important safety benefits that can be derived from the fitment of the braking system to all vehicles.  He was also heartened that the installation rate on new cars being registered in the UK had increased from 20% to 29% in only 12 months.

Every year, 50,000 people die in traffic accidents in Europe, and 1.3 million are injured. A German study shows that a quarter of all accidents involving severe injury are caused by skidding. Sometimes a single curve can be enough to throw your life off course. ESP stabilizes the vehicle and reduces the danger of skidding. Studies carried out by vehicle manufacturers show that ESP can reduce the number of serious accidents by up to 50%.

To raise awareness of ESP in the UK, Bosch is taking part in a series of events with the ESP simulator ride, a state of the art ‘real life’ demonstration of the benefits of ESP. The 3 minute ride explores how ESP works and how the technology can help to avoid accidents. Bosch is also working with MotorSport Vision, the owners of five racing circuits around the UK including Brands Hatch, to develop a training programme for motorists to experience active safety systems including ESP and ABS (antilock braking system) in real life situations.