Prioritizing Car Safety in India: Bharat NCAP and the Push for Safer Roads Operational From October 1, 2023
Indiaβs love affair with cars is undeniable. As the third-largest car market in the world, the nation witnesses the sale of around 3.8 million vehicles each year. However, amidst the excitement of choosing a new car based on its aesthetics, fuel efficiency, and seating capacity, one critical factor has often been overlooked by Indian buyers: safety. Itβs high time for a change, as the alarming road accident statistics and the associated fatalities demand our attention and action.
Indiaβs Alarming Road Accident Statistics
Indiaβs roads tell a grim tale. With a staggering 47 accidents reported every hour, the country witnesses an alarming loss of 18 lives in the same time frame. This translates to 18 deaths every hour due to road accidents. This statistical reality paints Indiaβs roads as some of the most perilous in the world.
New Indian Car Safety Rating 2023
Here is a compilation of some of the safest cars available in the Indian market in 2023, as per the evaluations by Global NCAP. These vehicles have all achieved 5-star safety ratings in the latest round of Global NCAP crash tests. They boast an array of safety features that contribute to their impressive safety performances.
- Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia: Both the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia have obtained 5-star safety ratings in the most recent Global NCAP crash tests. These cars come equipped with an extensive set of safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and hill hold assist.
- Mahindra Scorpio-N: The recently introduced Mahindra Scorpio-N has also secured a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It boasts a comprehensive suite of safety features, including six airbags, ESC, hill hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
- Tata Punch: The Tata Punch is another vehicle that has achieved a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It comes fitted with a wide array of safety features, such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and hill hold assist.
- Mahindra XUV300: The Mahindra XUV300, a well-liked SUV, has achieved a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It offers a range of safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, and a rollover mitigation system.
- Tata Altroz: As a premium hatchback, the Tata Altroz has earned a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It is equipped with a variety of safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, and a TPMS.
- Tata Nexon: The Tata Nexon, a popular SUV, has secured a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It is equipped with various safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, and a rollover mitigation system.
- Mahindra XUV700: The recently introduced Mahindra XUV700, a new SUV, has achieved a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It offers an extensive set of safety features, including six airbags, ESC, hill hold assist, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a 360-degree parking camera.
Introducing Bharat NCAP: A Path Towards Safer Roads
So, how can we address this issue and make our roads safer? The government has recognized the importance of car safety and has embarked on a journey to make cars safer for both drivers and passengers. One of the key steps in this direction is the introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP). This program focuses on assessing and rating the safety of cars based on rigorous crash tests and safety parameters.
How Does Bharat NCAP Work?
Bharat NCAP uses a straightforward yet impactful approach. Car manufacturers can voluntarily sign up for the program. Once enrolled, their vehicles undergo comprehensive crash tests that assess two critical aspects: structural integrity and passenger protection. The structural integrity aspect evaluates how well the carβs cabin can withstand different crash scenarios. On the other hand, the passenger protection assessment gauges how safe occupants would be in case of a collision.
From Zero to Five Stars: Understanding the Ratings
Cars are assigned ratings on a scale of zero to five stars, with five stars indicating the highest level of safety. The rating provides potential buyers with valuable information about a carβs safety performance. While these ratings are not mandatory for sales, they empower consumers to make informed decisions about their vehicle choices.
Changing the Mindset: Safety as a Selling Point
Bharat NCAP aims to transform the mindset of both car manufacturers and consumers. While many Indian car models have excelled in terms of features and fuel efficiency, safety has often taken a back seat. Safety features add to the cost of production, and in a price-sensitive market like India, affordability becomes a crucial factor. However, Bharat NCAP strives to strike a balance between safety and affordability, urging manufacturers to prioritize safety as a selling point.
Driving Towards a Safer Future
The introduction of Bharat NCAP is a significant step towards creating safer roads in India. While voluntary safety ratings provide a foundation for change, itβs important to complement them with robust regulations. The inclusion of safety features like airbags and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) has been a positive move, but more needs to be done to ensure comprehensive safety across all vehicles.
Sources: globalncap, thehindu.com
Conclusion: In a nation where car ownership is on the rise and road safety remains a major concern, Bharat NCAP shines as a beacon of hope. By encouraging car manufacturers to enhance their safety standards and giving consumers the information they need to make safer choices, this initiative holds the potential to significantly reduce road accidents and save countless lives. Let us embrace this safety revolution and work together to create a future where safety and affordability coexist on Indian roads.
FAQβs:
Q1. Are Bharat NCAP ratings mandatory for all car manufacturers?
No, Bharat NCAP ratings are voluntary for car manufacturers. They can choose whether to participate in the program or not.
Q2. How do Bharat NCAP ratings help consumers?
Bharat NCAP ratings empower consumers by providing them with valuable information about a carβs safety performance, helping them make informed purchasing decisions.
Q3. Do Bharat NCAP ratings impact car sales?
While Bharat NCAP ratings do not impact car sales directly, they encourage car manufacturers to prioritize safety features and enhance their safety standards.
Q4. Are safety regulations enforced alongside Bharat NCAP ratings?
While Bharat NCAP ratings provide an essential foundation, the effectiveness of the program is complemented by the enforcement of safety regulations to ensure comprehensive safety across all vehicles.
Q5. How can consumers contribute to road safety?
Consumers play a crucial role in promoting road safety by choosing vehicles with higher safety ratings, advocating for safer driving practices, and supporting initiatives that prioritize safety on Indian roads.
