By Safety has come back an extended approach in ascent the list of priorities for the Indian automotive emptor over the past many decades. And whereas it should still not be as vital as affordability and exterior styling – unfortunate as that’s, it’s prompted virtually each automotive maker here to focus on and underline protection to occupants that area unit on supply in their individual merchandise. a number of these merchandise have won accolades the planet over whereas others still be deemed unsafe notwithstanding claims created.
(Related scan – ‘We do not break that easy’: Tata Motors jibe could also be directed at Maruti S-Presso)
The safety regulation standards that automotive manufacturers here have to be compelled to adhere to possess been created tight by the govt with a read of reducing injuries and fatalities within the unfortunate case of a mishap. This has so diode to makers that specialize in a additional strong body shell, armament models with airbags, ABS with EBD and an entire heap additional. Take the case of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso as an example. the corporate says that the automotive offers ABS with EBD as commonplace and gets rear-parking assist sensing element in conjunction with twin airbags alternative|and several other} other safety highlights. however not all of those options could also be gift in base variant that is probably going to realize soap traction within the entry-level car-buying market. As such, once international NCAP place a base variant of S-Presso through a crash take a look at, it didn’t impress. (Full report here)
A Maruti advocate reacted on behalf of the corporate to repeat that the automotive complies with all safety protocols place out by the Indian government. “It (safety) can’t be left to the opinion of any self declared party.” (Full report here)
In the same series of tests, the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS and Kia Seltos – each created within the country – scored 2 and 3 stars, severally. These area unit deemed satisfactory ratings though off from the most effective that is attainable. (Detailed report here)
On the opposite aspect of the spectrum area unit cars like Tata Nexon, Altroz and Mahindra XUV300 that drove out with five-star safety ratings within the international NCAP tests antecedently. That these cars supply a mile-long list of safety options – many ranging from the bottom variant up – helped in securing the spectacular ratings.
As such, it should be assumed that these cars conjointly meet with the Indian safety standards place in situ.
A school of thought highlights that the Indian safety standards could have come back an extended approach however have to be compelled to go way additional. And in doing therefore, crucial safety aspects like twin airbags and three-point seatbelts have to be compelled to be created necessary from the bottom variant up.
The government too seems determined to bring down road fatalities considerably. “India witnesses nearly 5 hundred thousand road accidents each year, during which regarding one.5 hundred thousand lives area unit lost. it’s our endeavour to bring down these figures by 20-25 per cent by the approaching March thirty one (2021),” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has aforesaid. (Full report here)
And whereas driver ability, road conditions alternative|and several other} other similar factors have an enormous role to play towards this objective, the protection offered by makers in their vehicles will verify the trail forward.
