Bosch celebrates the 25th anniversary of ESP, which was first installed in a Mercedes Class S

Although it may seem that the driving safety systems we enjoy in today’s cars have always been there, the truth is that many of them are quite recent. For example, a quick look at the calendar shows that it is only 25 years since the Electronic Stability Program began to be used, known by its abbreviation ESP.

This revolutionary system was first installed in the Mercedes Class S and little by little it gained ground in other models of the German brand. Shortly afterwards, other manufacturers’ models also adopted it, making road safety more effective. ESP is responsible for preventing the wheels from skidding, recognising this situation and acting proactively so that it does not occur.

How ESP works

ESP works in coordination with ABS and the Traction Control System, making driving easier and preventing the brakes from locking and the driver losing control of the steering as a result. It also acts by preventing the wheels from skidding, increasing safety while driving.

While driving, ESP continuously checks the steering, making sure that the vehicle’s path matches the one the driver intends. It performs these checks about 25 times per second, so it can act immediately if it detects any discrepancy between the two.

If that problem is detected, engine torque is automatically reduced and ESP acts on each wheel individually to prevent skidding. In this way it helps the driver regain control of the vehicle and keep the car on the road. Today, 82% of new vehicles worldwide are equipped with ESP, since its use has been mandatory in the EU on all new vehicles registered since 2014.

According to Bosch, the number of road traffic deaths that ESP has prevented amounts to 15,000 over these 25 years. Its increasing presence in new models makes accidents caused by involuntary skidding less likely, and it can be confirmed that driving is safer thanks to this system.