The EU is trying to get Electronic Stability Control (ESC) devices fitted as standard on all new cars. At the moment, this feature is generally confined to upmarket vehicles.

The EU feels that small cars should be included because they tend to be driven by younger drivers who are more likely to become involved in skids. Experts predict that such a sheme would save 3,000 injuries and 400 deaths per year in the UK.

The system works by applying the brakes to the most appropriate wheel to prevent an accident once skidding is detected by the sensors. Many drivers about to go into a skid may not realise that the ESC system has kicked in to save them.

In the USA, ESC is to become compulsory. The EU hopes to have it in place by 2012. As an optional extra, ESC costs about £400 to fit, but, once it is a standard feature, the cost would fall to around £100.

One must be on guard against the dangers of drivers taking advantage of reduced skidding to drive faster around bends. it should be seen as a safety feature, not an improved-performance extra.

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