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Electronic stability control (ESC) systems have been the subject of statistical analyses of road accidents, testing by NHTSA and others, and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 126. ESC systems employ complex algorithms to process information from multiple sensors and intervene to improve vehicle directional control. They are called upon to function under conditions of varying tire-road friction coefficients, grades, vehicle loads, and driver inputs. In this study, Engineering Dynamics Corporation SIMON modeling software was used to examine simulated vehicle responses due to single-wheel braking (as utilized by ESC systems) when subjected to a variety of factors. The stabilizing force due to single-wheel braking was found to be sensitive to laterally split friction coefficient conditions, braking, and other specific driver inputs. ESC systems are likely to be subject to similar limitations.

We employ theoretical and experimental means to examine driver control strategies for use in emergency brake-and-steer maneuvers using ABS-equipped vehicles, and show that the admonition to simply “stand on the brakes” does not necessarily produce the desired vehicle response because the full maneuver envelope of the vehicle is not utilized. Rather, judicious use of vehicle braking in its non-ABS mode is preferred for portions of some maneuvers where maximum lateral control is desired.