HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses has teamed up with Meritor WABCO to offer new factory-installed SmartTrac electronic stability control (ESC) on its Saf-T-Liner C2 school buses.

SmartTrac ESC is a vehicle safety system that intervenes automatically when it senses instability that could lead to rollover or loss of bus control.

“When faced with rollovers and loss-of-control accidents, drivers normally are not aware that vehicle dynamics are about to become critically unstable until the point of no return is already reached,” said Stephen Hampson, president and general manager for Meritor WABCO.

Hampson explained that SmartTrac ESC uses various sensors to compare the vehicle’s actual movement to performance models. The system works with the Saf-T-Liner C2’s air disc and air drum brakes.

“If the vehicle shows a tendency to leave the driver’s intended path or exceeds a critical acceleration threshold, SmartTrac ESC helps the driver maintain control,” he said. “The system applies the appropriate brakes selectively and better aligns the vehicle with the driver’s intended path of travel.”

In addition to SmartTrac ESC, Thomas Built Buses will introduce Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes for Saf-T-Liner EFX school buses in the fourth quarter of this year. Thomas Built’s C2 and HDX school buses already offer the Bendix air disc brakes.

Company officials said that the ABD22X air disc brakes offer enhanced control, shorter and safer stopping distances, longer life and improved performance over standard brakes.

In early 2016, Thomas Built will also introduce severe duty chassis harness protection for the HDX and EFX. The new severe duty harness, already an option for the C2, is an upgrade for the main chassis electrical harness that protects the electrical system from water and debris. Company officials said that the severe duty harness is made of durable braided nylon that allows water and debris to pass through instead of becoming trapped.

“All three of these innovations are testaments to our commitment to continuous improvement,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built. “We are dedicated to building and designing buses that are safe, efficient and provide our customers the lowest total cost of ownership possible. These innovations help us do just that.”

For more information about SmartTrac ESC, ADB22X air disc brakes or the new severe duty harness, customers can speak with a Thomas Built dealer.