The Key to Traffic Safety - The Electronic Stability Programme The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) developed by Mercedes-Benz, which reduces the risk of skidding and helps drivers to better deal with critical driving situations, has led to greater safety. After five years of having the system included as standard equipment in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, there is a significant decrease in driver-related accidents. The Electronic Stability Programme celebrated its world premiere at Mercedes-Benz in 1995 and has been included as standard equipment in all the brand's passenger car models since the summer of 1999. The system is the result of safety developments at Mercedes-Benz that are based on analyses of real situations and the knowledge gained from accident research. ESP also reduces by 10% the extent of injuries to vehicle occupants in an accident because it stabilises vehicles in a skid, the risk of dangerous side collisions with trees, poles or other objects at toadsides is reduced. Other technological milestones that benefit the occupants of all passenger cars, such as the crumple zone, airbags, seat belt tensioners, offset layouts, and side and window bags, are also based on this development principle. "The invention of ESP and the inclusion of this technology as standard equipment have enabled Mercedes-Benz to set an important trend in improving traffic safety. If all vehicles were equipped with ESP, serious car accidents could be avoided" says Dr. Thomas Weber, DaimlerChrysler Board of Management member for Research and Technology and head of Development at the Mercedes Car Group. click to enlarge click to enlarge