NHTSA Provides Information on Vehicle Rollover; Existing Technology Makes Them Less Likely

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2003 -- Auto safety supplier Continental Teves applauded the federal government's new consumer information program about vehicle rollovers that was announced today, and called for more awareness about available technology to prevent rollovers from occurring.

Company president and CEO Bill Kozyra said, "We support giving consumers more information about risk prevention to guide their purchase decisions. They also need to know about what's available to prevent many rollover and other out-of-control crash situations from even happening. We welcome the Federal government's new consumer information program and their guidance to responsible purchase decisions."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced an expanded information program mandated by Congress that rates vehicles for their likelihood of rolling over. Ratings are based on physical measurements of the vehicle and performance in a test track maneuver.

"That's helpful information for accessing the stability of a vehicle, but it does not address vehicle controllability. Eighty percent of rollovers start as a single-vehicle, loss-of-control event. In these cases the driver either lost control and went off the road, or lost control and slid sideways along the road and tripped. Ninety percent of all rollovers occur off the road," Kozyra said. "The point is, the driver needs to stay in control and on the road, and we need to provide them the tools to help remain in control. That technology is available now.

"Most consumers know that rollovers are a deadly problem," he said. "But they still don't know that having electronic stability control on their vehicle could dramatically reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim. They need to ask for it when purchasing a new vehicle.

"Electronic stability control is a technology that is available today that helps the driver maintain control, especially in highly dynamic situations that lead to single vehicle crashes. The evidence of its effectiveness is well-documented and compelling," Kozyra said.

A study by Mercedes using German government data indicated that electronic stability control, standard equipment on its vehicles since 1999, reduced single-vehicle crashes (loss of control) by 29 percent and all kinds of crashes by 15 percent. Toyota found a 35 percent reduction in single-vehicle crashes in Japan. Based on these and other international studies, Kozyra estimated that electronic stability control could save between 5,000-8,500 lives and $35 billion in economic losses yearly in this country.

"I think most Americans would want those odds working in their favor," he said.

Electronic stability control, manufactured by Continental Teves and several other companies, is marketed under various trade names. Last June, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that it be made standard equipment on vehicles in the U.S. if NHTSA reaches similar conclusions as researchers abroad. NHTSA currently is studying its effectiveness.

"We encourage NHTSA to expedite its study. Most of the deaths from rollovers could be prevented if occupants used safety belts, and vehicles were equipped with electronic stability control," Kozyra said.

For more information, visit www.contitevesna.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A satellite feed with dramatic b-roll documenting the benefits of electronic stability control will be fed on Tuesday, October 7, 12:00-12:30 PM ET. Coordinates: C-band AMC9 (formerly AMC2), transponder 11, downlink frequency 3920 (v), Location 85 degrees west, 6.2 & 6.8 audio.