Many drivers already appreciate the benefits of the Antilock Braking System (ABS) in tricky road conditions, but how many of us are aware of Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?

Whilst ABS prevents the car from skidding under braking, ESC (also known as ESP, DSC, VSCS and other names) detects when a car is losing lateral control. For example, if a driver swerves to avoid something in the road, and the car starts to spin or skid sideways, ESC is activated to automatically brake selected wheels in order to bring the car back under control.

Compared to most EU countries, the UK car market has been slow to embrace this potentially life-saving technology, but there are now an increasing number of new cars available with ESC fitted as standard. Go to www.thatcham.org to find out more, including which new cars have ESC fitted as standard, or ask your dealer for more information.

No matter how carefully you drive, and as effective as ABS and ESC are, some accidents simply cannot be avoided, which is why it´s important to think about the protection your car will give to you and your passengers.

A good indication of a car´s safety can be found within the EuroNCAP safety-rating table (http://www.euroncap.com). Here you will find the lowdown on the number and type of airbags the car has, what protection is provided to both passengers and pedestrians in the event of an accident or, if you wish to compare at a glance, an overall star rating is awarded to each car reviewed. The rating is an important factor when you consider that research has shown that for each Euro NCAP star awarded, the risk of fatal or serious injury for occupants is reduced by 12%.

Many accidents occur when reversing and, although most of them are minor bumps and scrapes, some have far more serious consequences. Parking sensors can reduce the chances of having an accident whilst reversing because the sensors alert the driver to objects behind the car which could be anything from a lamppost or shopping trolley to a small child. A handful of cars have parking sensors fitted as standard, but most dealers are able to offer sensors as an optional extra for around £300.

Sensors make manoeuvring easier and are particularly useful if you find it difficult to turn to see behind you.

Ask your dealer for more information about models with these sensors fitted or your options for having them fitted.

So when you are choosing your next Motability car ask your dealer about what safety features are included.