What is the main purpose of electronic stability control (ESC) in trucks?

The main purpose of electronic stability control (ESC) in trucks is to prevent skidding and help maintain control during sudden maneuvers. This advanced system uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s trajectory and makes automatic adjustments to the brakes and engine power to help maintain stability. When a truck begins to skid due to factors like sharp turns, slippery surfaces, or abrupt steering inputs, ESC intervenes to help the driver regain control. This is particularly crucial for larger vehicles like trucks, which can be more challenging to handle compared to smaller cars, especially under adverse conditions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of ESC. Improving fuel economy pertains to different vehicle systems focused on optimizing engine performance and fuel usage, which is not a primary aim of ESC. Assisting with parking and reversing typically involves features such as rearview cameras and parking sensors rather than stability control systems. Increasing the overall speed of a vehicle is contrary to the safety focus of ESC, which is designed to enhance control and stability rather than performance speed. Thus, option B stands as the central function of electronic stability control in truck safety.