Transportation 19

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") proposed a federal motor vehicle safety standard to require electronic stability control ("ESC") systems on large commercial trucks and buses. The rule would affect vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds. The proposed rule would take effect between two and four years after the standard is finalized, depending on the type of vehicle. The proposal also includes standards for performance testing of the technology.

Based on NHTSA research, the technology could prevent up to 56% of rollover crashes each year and another 14% of loss-of-control crashes.

A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has been published in the Federal Register and members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal for 90 days. NHTSA will also hold a public hearing on the proposed safety standard to solicit further public comment.