Local safety advocate, Judy Appleby of MAKUS, will be featured in a national press conference on the Capital Mall in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, July 23.
The news conference will highlight the launching of a program called “Safely There” which focuses attention on a safety feature known as the electronic stability control system.
The stability control system is designed as an electronic safety device that keeps a vehicle running on the road, especially in adverse driving conditions. Taller, more top-heavy vehicles live SUV’s and pickup trucks can be kept from rolling over in accident situations.
Judy’s son, Michael, was killed in a car accident in November of 2001. The car Michael was driving overturned and he was ejected from the vehicle. Michael was not wearing his seatbelt and was thrown and then pinned under the car.
The electronic stability control system is available as an option in some high-end vehicles, but Mrs. Appleby is hoping to see the safety feature become standard someday soon, similar to the progression of seatbelts and air bags.
“If there is safety equipment that can prevent 30 percent of all rollovers, consumers need to know about it so they can get it on their next new vehicle.
“Safety should be standard, not a very expensive option.”