Technology like electronic traction control and electronic stability control also add a degree of safety when putting high-powered vehicles like these on the street.

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"We don't have any specific research comparing SUVs with and without electronic stability control in winter-road conditions, " says Rader.

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Outside of wearing your seat belt, electronic stability control, or ESC, is now widely viewed as the biggest potential life-saver in an automobile.

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Since it reacts to input from its electronic stability control, it can even take into account wheel slippage in wet weather and adjust accordingly.

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Electronic stability control can actually prevent accidents, reliably sensing and correcting a sudden loss of traction or control--something inexperienced drivers are least equipped to handle.

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Systems that monitor blind spots and track the alertness of drivers, and electronic stability control - which can detect and help prevent a skid - are already being introduced to many new vehicles.

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All of the models in our list come with the requisite safety features, including multiple airbags as well as electronic stability control to prevent the car from fishtailing out of control in extreme or emergency handling situations.

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It must offer electronic stability control.

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"Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature, preventing the shifter from being moved out of the park position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate, " stated NHTSA documents.

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