Don't compromise car safety for cost

The failure of a number of car models, made by Indian manufacturers, to meet international safety standards has again brought the issue of car safety into focus. The cars include those made by Maruti, Hyundai, Mahindra & Mahindra and Renault. Indian cars have failed the tests in the past also. The crash tests are conducted by an independent body, Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). Most models lack basic safety features like air bags. All models got zero rating for structural stability.

Most scored poorly in child safety. GNCAP authorities stated in public that the safety aspect in Indian cars is “very low” and “new models which are so substandard should not be developed.” India has a high rate of car accidents and resulting casualties. Poor road conditions, high traffic intensity, disregard for traffic rules, carelessness or lack of skills of drivers are all cited as reasons. But unsafe cars are another major reason.

Manufacturers have questioned the authority of GNCAP to set standards. But the fact remains that its norms are accepted worldwide by governments and regulatory authorities. Indian manufacturers incorporate the required safety features in the cars that they export to other countries. Another argument is that the issue of poor safety is a creation of scaremongering by safety equipment manufacturers. This is not correct. Manufacturers also argue that the cars sold in India meet Indian regulatory standards. But these standards are lower than international standards. The government has proposed higher and better standards but these will come into effect only in the coming years. There is also a plan to put in place a Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Programme which will give ratings on the basis of crash safety performance tests. But the issue of safety, which is a matter of life and death for users of cars, should receive immediate and more active attention.

Manufacturers do not incorporate all safety features in cars because of cost considerations. They fear that the higher prices will deter buyers in a price sensitive market like India. But the problem will not arise if all manufacturers adopt the safety standards. Safety of users should be the prime consideration of manufacturers. Some features like airbags actually do not add much to the cost of cars. They should be essential like helmets for two-wheeler riders. Buyers should also consider safety as more important than other factors like mileage given by cars and their looks. If they insist on buying only cars with good safety features, manufacturers will have no choice but to make them.