Understanding Electronic Stability Programs and Safe Driving at Low Speeds
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is a safety feature designed to help prevent skidding and loss of control, but its effectiveness is most evident at lower speeds. This insight comes from Alexei Kolontay, who heads the MasterClass Center for driver training in emergency situations. He explains that stability systems cannot single-handedly guarantee a crash-free ride, and they do not substitute for prudent driving decisions.
Kolontay notes that ESP activates after a driver has already made a steering or braking misjudgment, aiming to mitigate unwelcome outcomes rather than erase mistakes. On dry pavement, ESP can assist at speeds up to roughly 60 to 70 km/h. As speeds rise, the chances of a skid increase even if ESP is functioning, because the tire-road grip becomes insufficient to keep the vehicle in control. In other words, the system has its practical limits, especially when traction is challenged by road conditions or sudden maneuvers. A driver must stay attentive and ready to correct course before the system intervenes, rather than rely on ESP to prevent all incidents.
The driving trainer emphasizes that active steering remains essential for maintaining tire grip and preventing a slide. ESP does not steer the car for the driver; instead, it modulates wheel speed and braking force across individual wheels. By reducing throttle and braking selectively, it helps to keep the vehicle on a stable path when the car begins to depart from its intended line, provided that grip exists and the driver works with the system rather than against it.
Kolontay adds that on uneven surfaces, such as transitions from asphalt to fresh snow, the vehicle’s electronic controls may affect the driver’s sense of control. When braking on such surfaces, a thin layer of snow can slip beneath the tire, giving the impression that the wheel has stopped. In those moments ESP may reduce braking pressure, effectively increasing stopping distance to preserve controllability rather than produce abrupt stops. This dynamic underscores the need for smooth, progressive braking and steering inputs when road texture changes abruptly.
Another part of the safety conversation focuses on the danger of metal bracelets and other accessories for passengers during a crash. The instructor highlights how such items can pose added risk in a collision, potentially causing injuries or complicating rescue efforts. The takeaway is clear: minimize loose adornments in the vehicle to reduce harm during emergencies.