WASHINGTON (June 9, 2015) — The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) is throwing its support to a final rule issued June 3 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that requires commercial vehicles, including heavy trucks and large buses, be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) systems.
MEMA www.mema.org said that for more than a decade its members “have worked with Congress, NHTSA, vehicle manufacturers and the public to advance the use of critical safety devices in motor vehicles including the heavy-duty vehicle electronic stability control rule” and it applauds the long awaited decision.
Steve Handschuh, MEMA president and CEO, said the association “has been engaged with NHTSA on advanced braking system issues long before the electronic stability control rule, and we have been involved in the electronic stability control rulemaking since its initiation over a decade ago.
“Safety is a priority to our members, and the inclusion of electronic stability control technology on heavy-duty vehicles will prevent crashes and reduce fatalities, injuries and property damage.”
As with passenger vehicles, ESC systems maintain the directional control of a vehicle automatically when drivers can't react quickly, MEMA said, noting that according to the ruling, NHTSA estimates the rule will prevent as many as 1,759 crashes, 649 injuries and 49 fatalities each year, as well as preventing up to 56 percent of rollover crashes not caused by striking an obstacle or leaving the road.
“Safety technology adoption in heavy-duty vehicles can offer unique challenges, but our industry welcomes the opportunity to add a technology that will improve safety for everyone on the roadway including drivers,” said Timothy Kraus, president and chief operating officer of the Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, a division of MEMA. “The addition of electronic stability control systems to commercial vehicles is a step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing to work with NHTSA and Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association to implement this new rule.”
MEMA is a trade group representing motor vehicle and mobility suppliers, parts manufacturers and remanufacturers. The organization operates through four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA); Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA); Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA); and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA).