VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) is one of the representative systems developed to help prevent skidding and unstable behaviour before they lead to an accident. The effectiveness of VSC in reducing accidents in Japan was studied. From analysis of the statistics of traffic accidents, it is estimated that the accident rate (accidents per vehicles in use per year) of vehicles with VSC showed approximately a 35% reduction for single car accidents and a 30% reduction for head-on collisions with other automobiles. For more severe accidents, this result would improve to approximately 50% and 40% reductions. The casualty rate (casualties per vehicles in use per year) of vehicles with VSC showed approximately a 35% reduction for both types of accidents. Analysis showed that VSC may reduce more accidents in higher speed ranges where vehicle dynamics play a greater part. However, it is important to say that VSC cannot prevent all accidents or compensate for all driver errors. VSC is not a substitute for safe driving practices, common sense, and the exercise of good judgment by drivers. For the covering abstract see ITRD E825082.
Abstract