The federal government is close to proposing new auto-safety standards that would require all vehicles to have electronic stability control, technology shown to be highly effective in preventing rollovers.

Stability-control systems use sensors on the wheels that detect when a car is heading off its intended path and can automatically brake each wheel individually to get it back on course. Until recently, stability control was offered as an option or as standard equipment largely in vehicles made by luxury makers including DaimlerChrysler AG's Mercedes-Benz and BMW AG. But as studies have shown its effectiveness in preventing fatalities, particularly in rollover-prone sport-utility vehicles, auto makers have increasingly added the technology to their SUV fleets.

Rollovers kill more than 10,000 people a year on American roadways. Stability-control technology could save an estimated 7,000 lives a year, according to a study, and its effectiveness has been compared with that of seat belts. Not all vehicles have the stability technology available, but it comes as standard equipment or as an option on vehicles including General Motors Corp.'s Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Motor Corp.'s RAV4 and Volkswagen AG's Jetta. Car buyers can ask at the dealership which vehicles have it.