Among the number of road accidents reported in India, those involving two-wheelers account for a major share. Hence, in a bid to make riding safer, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is planning to make ABS (Anti-lock braking system) compulsory for two-wheelers in India.
With the introduction of ABS as standard, rider’s control under panic situations and even stability while riding under wet conditions will increase significantly. It will help riders manoeuvre the two-wheeler much easily, and most importantly, safely. To get it down into the systems, the government plans to first make ABS standard in two-wheelers with bigger engine capacity and gradually introduce it in mass market products.
India is the world’s second largest two-wheeler market behind China, yet, safety features are paid less importance to.
Manufacturers have been denying the addition of this feature claiming increase in costs, but the least that could be done was provide it as optional to those who wish to pay the extra buck. Still, only a couple of manufacturers provide ABS on two-wheelers under the Rs. 6 lakh price bracket.
If this goes through, we welcome the governments decision, even though it comes at an increase in cost. After all, safety is important.
Source – ET Auto