Method and apparatus for determining the dynamic stability of an automotive vehicle

A method for determining the dynamic stability of an automotive vehicle comprising the steps of:

• measuring a yaw rate from a yaw rate sensor;
• determining a first steering wheel angle from the yaw rate;
• measuring a lateral acceleration from lateral acceleration sensor;
• determining a second steering wheel angle from the lateral acceleration;
• calculating a first difference between the first steering wheel angle and the second steering wheel angle;
• determining if the first difference is less than a first predetermined limit;
• determining a third steering angle from a steering wheel sensor;
• calculating a second difference between the first steering wheel angle and the third steering wheel angle;
• and
• generating a vehicle stability indicator if the first difference is less than a first predetermined limit and if the second difference is less than a second predetermined limit.