Government to launch new vehicle safety programme in 2017

Recently conducted crash tests by Global NCAP on popular Indian hatchbacks have revealed that they fare badly in the case of an impact when it comes to driver and passenger safety. It's not just the lack of the safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes that is the cause of their failure, but the structures of most of the models tested have even been termed as unstable. The Government of India however, seems to be on the path to making cars safer in the future.

According to a report by Economic Times, the government is planning to ensure that all cars provide basic safety for adults, children and pedestrians in line with global standards. A fresh new car assessment programme termed Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme (BNVSAP) will be rolled out in October 2017. Every new car sold in the market will have to comply with the norms set under the programme. Cars will be given a star rating based on test results for frontal and rear crashes and will also need to be equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), seatbelt reminders and child locks.

Once the programme is in place, manufacturers will be given three years for altering their existing models to comply with the new norms. In that period, companies will need to change their assembly lines and product designs.

Facilities to carry out different crash tests are likely to be functional at the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) by March 2015. The facilities will be regularly upgraded in line with global standards.

Source: Economic Times