New Delhi: With Global NCAP tightening crash test norms and India gearing up for tougher norms, Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava questioned the credibility of the tests. Following the poor crash test results achieved by the Swift, Ignis and S-Presso, the chairman questioned the need for more safety features in cars.
RC Bhargava said the Global New Car Assessment Program (GNCAP) is supported by component manufacturers and these agencies do not understand safety as well as the government. He stressed that NCAP does not investigate the causes of accidents, which is the best way to reduce the number of deaths.
India has the highest share of road accidents and in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), India recorded 1.3 lakh road accident fatalities, while in 2001 there were 80,888 deaths – this number has only increased.
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According to the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 1.5 million people were killed in road accidents in India in 2021, while more than 4 million road accidents were reported last year.
The chairman of Maruti Suzuki said, “I always say with absolute certainty that the introduction of NCAP standard in cars in India will not have any significant impact on the number of accidents. Prevention is much better than cure.”
He pointed out that accidents happen when components like tires, brakes, suspension etc. fail and these need to be looked at from a safety angle.
He also highlighted driving behavior which is another major cause of accidents. The driving license system in India needs to be upgraded and the drivers educated as abroad the process is completely different.
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“There is a very rigorous training and testing program before one is certified to obtain a license. There is no such thing in India. Driver error is the leading cause of accidents in India,” he said.
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