ABS made compulsory on trucks

  • Jul 1, 2014
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According to the new Government intiative all trucks will have to be fitted with anti-lock braking system (ABS) prior to April 2015

Mercedes-Benz Arocs truck

India has made anti-lock braking system (ABS) compulsory on all new models of commercial vehicles staring April next, an endeavour aimed at making the country's notoriously accident-prone roads safer. ABS helps control vehicles during emergency braking at high speeds by unlocking the wheels and allowing traction control by electronic distribution of pressure to wheels.

This prevents the vehicle from skidding. India tops the list for deadly road accidents globally. In 2012, as many 1.42 lakh people were killed in about five lakh accidents — that makes it one death on the roads in about every four minutes. Trucks, buses and multi-axle tractor-trailers were involved in more than 30% of the reported accidents. According to industry data, 77% of the accidents were because of collision, loss of control or lane departure. The government notification to make ABS compulsory for trucks and buses was issued this month.

While yet-to-be-launched models must have the feature starting next fiscal year, manufacturers will get another six months to fit ABS on new vehicles sold under existing models. ABS isn't yet made compulsory on passenger vehicles, though most models offer it as an optional or standard feature. "It (government order) would be covering the new models first as it is easier to fit this critical system on the new vehicles," a senior government official said.

Mahindra Navistar truck

"It's also an attempt to make roads and highways safer." ABS is the second major safety equipment that India is making compulsory on vehicles, after the seat belts in the late 1990s. ABS is a standard fitment across all developed markets. Currently, vehicle makers in India offer such sophisticated vehicle stability features as an option in some top-end truck and bus variants. According to technical experts working with manufacturers, the cost of ABS could be Rs 50,000-Rs 75,000, depending on the model and type of the vehicle.

"Customers may end up paying Rs 1 lakh extra on new vehicles with this safety package," said a senior R&D engineer working with a top commercial vehicle maker who didn't want to be named. To make the roads safer, the ministry of road transport and highways is also contemplating devices like airbags, traction control and heads up display, which beams data on to the windscreen so that the driver doesn't have to look away from his usual viewpoint.

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