Canada's Transport Minister John Baird announced that effective August 31, 2011, auto manufacturers must install a safety technology in Canadian vehicles to help drivers avoid road collisions.

The technology - Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - is designed to automatically apply braking to certain wheels when a vehicle is skidding and may also cut engine power to help the driver maintain proper control.

ESC helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle in situations such as making emergency manoeuvres (swerving or braking to avoid an obstacle) and turning corners on slippery surfaces. Transport Canada data shows that ESC-equipped vehicles are involved in fewer severe collisions caused by loss of control, resulting in significantly fewer deaths and injuries compared to those that are not equipped with ESC.

The new standard will apply to passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, trucks and buses weighing 4,536 kilograms or less. The timeline for manufacturers to install ESC in vehicles in Canada coincides with its adoption in the United States.