No need to make 6 air bags, says Nitin gadkari

Delhi : Road safety is still a significant issue in the nation. Each year, vehicle accidents claim the lives of thousands of individuals. There are also severe wounds. Family members face significant financial hardships as a result of traffic accidents. To prevent traffic accidents, the government has taken a number of actions. But it seems that people are not adhering to the guidelines as they should. At the local level, there is a gap in the enforcement of traffic laws. The government would prioritize raising public awareness through Bharat NCAP.

Making six airbags a requirement for all passenger vehicles was one of the road safety ideas that was put out last year. Later, the proposal was postponed for a year. The 6-airbag requirement was scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2023. However, the idea to make 6-airbags essential has been put on hold for the time being, according to a statement made by Mr. Nitin Gadkari (Minister for Road Transport & Highways in the Government of India).

Mr. Gadkari gave an explanation of the justification for not making 6-airbags mandatory during the 63rd Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). One explanation is that most automakers now feature six airbags as standard equipment. Only a small number of corporations, including Maruti Suzuki, are opposed.

Maruti has been against the concept of making 6-airbags required because a major portion of their sales come from tiny cars. Small automobiles will cost more if they have six airbags, which may have a detrimental effect on sales. According to official estimates, it will cost about USD 75 to add four more airbags. However, according to statistics analyzed by independent analysts, an additional airbag might cost as much as USD 231.

Another justification offered by Mr. Gadkari is the possibility of raising awareness through the impending Bharat NCAP. The testing has already started, and the initial results should be made public soon. According to Mr. Gadkari, vehicles with six airbags as standard will earn more Bharat NCAP points.

People will be able to make wise selections as a result. It is not essential to make 6-airbags mandatory because consumers will choose vehicles with greater safety ratings on their own. Automobile manufacturers will be prompted to raise their safety standards by market forces and consumer preferences.

Maruti Suzuki is that a relief?

More than two thirds of Maruti's total sales come from its lineup of micro and compact automobiles. It includes vehicles including the Baleno, Alto, S-Presso, Celerio, Swift, Dzire, and Ignis. For anyone wishing to upgrade from a two-wheeler and those buying new cars, the majority of these are good selections. Prices may affect their sales if they were raised. This is why Maruti may feel much relieved that 6-airbags are not required.

However, concerns over passenger safety will continue to be fraught with moral and ethical dilemmas. Most likely, the government can demand that automakers offer six airbags as an option on all models and trim levels. Customers won't have to purchase expensive models with six airbags in this way. Even if it may not be the ideal option, the current situation is nonetheless preferable to this one.