Highlights: –
- Six airbags, ESC and three-point seat belt to become mandatory for all new cars.
- Autonomous braking (AEB) and other active safety features also on the cards
Addressing a conference on Automobile Safety Ecosystem, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that India will soon have its own star rating” system to make automobiles safer. Dubbed as ”BHARAT NCAP (New Car Assessment Programs)”, it will allot safety scores to the cars based upon their performance in the crash test and some other parameters.
Also Read: Union Budget 2022-23: Updates For The Automobile and Road Transportation Sector
The minister also revealed plans to make six airbags standard for all cars, along with electronic stability control (ESC) and three-point belts for all front-facing seats. While the dual front airbags are already compulsory in India, the new mandate will add curtain and front side airbags in cars that can seat up to eight passengers. This will ensure the safety of rear seat occupants as well.
Furthermore, some mandatory active safety features also seem to be in the plan, including an advanced emergency braking system (AEBS), driver drowsiness detection, and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
Here’s a quick introduction of all the aforementioned safety features: –
- Autonomous emergency braking system (AEBS): In order to avoid a crash or limit the impact of an accident, the AEB system applies emergency brakes if it comes in critical proximity to a moving/stationary vehicle/object in the front if there’s no driver input sensed.
- Driver Drowsiness Detection: – This system senses whether the driver is dozing and automatically alerts him/her if found nodding off.
- Blindspot Detection System: It detects vehicles that we usually can’t see because of the car’s blindspots, majorly towards the side & rear.
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): Alerts the driver from moving out of the lane inadvertently.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): – It enhances a vehicle’s stability, especially during hard steering maneuvers by manipulating both the engine speed and each wheel’s brake.
- Three-point Seat Belt: – A three-point seat combines a lap seat and a chest belt to prevent forward movement in case of a crash or emergency braking. It offers better protection to the occupants compared to two-point/lap seat belts. The front three-point seatbelts are already mandatory for decades.
Gadkari also emphasized the significance of decreasing sound pollution and the use of Electric vehicles. He has also stated to create mass awareness for road safety measures by information dissemination through media and people’s participation.
