New Delhi : Eminent road safety experts including representatives of manufacturers have stressed on the need for a nation having separate lanes for two wheelers, a thorough study on if India needs Anti Braking System (ABS) or Combined Braking System (CBS) and strict enforcement laws for safety of two-wheeler riders and reducing accidents.
“Two Wheelers constitute 74 per cent of the vehicular traffic in the country but while developing road infrastructure and making traffic engineering norms they are ignored and no segregation done for them. What needs to be done is have dedicated driving lanes for them which are missing and strict enforcement .This will; help in rider safety and avoid crashes as they are the most vulnerable road users along with pedestrians “ said Dr Rohit Baluja, President , Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) while speaking at a lecture on Safety of Motorised Two-Wheelers in India – How to Tackle it through Road & Vehicle Design Options?’ organised by International Road Federation -India chapter (IRF-IC) .
“In an attempt to push forward the road safety agenda, the transport ministry has made Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) mandatory for all new scooters and motorcycles irrespective of engine capacity from January 2026. ABSis only activates on the front wheel of a two wheeler while Combined Braking System (CBS) works on both wheels. India needs to create its own vehicular safety systems instead of copying others“ said Dr Baluja.
“The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) sells about Two crore two wheelers annually among this 60 per cent are with lower engine capacity than 125 cc. As a result of making ABS mandatory for these vehicles, the prices for two-wheelers under 125 cc are projected to increase by at least by Rs 4,000. A study in Japan has shown ABS helps only 1.4% in safety and effectiveness on slippery roads . A deep study needs to be done whether India requires ABS or CBS braking system” said Mr. Prashant K. Banerjee, Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobiles Manufacturers (SIAM) speaking on the occasion
“India accounts for the highest road fatalities in the world. Despite passenger vehicles today adhere to best safety norms and have ultra-modern safety features installed, there is a dire lack of holistic enforcement procedures, a level-playing field and awareness amongst consumers regarding safer mobility. What is needed is strict enforcement and education apart from incorporating innovative safety features in the vehicles “ said Mr Banerjee.
“Two wheelers are the lifeline of major cities in the country despite improvement in public transport and we have to live with them . The only solution is to find ways and means to make them safe with use of technology, strict enforcement, and education . Safe technological systems including ABS brakes for all two wheelers cannot be ignored. Consumers in India with most vehicles having GNCAP and BNCAP assessment ratings have a better choice of safer vehicles. It is a good moment towards the UN objective of road safety by 2030 “ Said Mr K K Kapila, president emeritus, International Road Federation (IRF)
Mr Kapila also stressed on the need mandating airbags for two wheelers and art helmets which do not allow a vehicle to start till worn. He also stressed on the need of developing road infrastructure on the basis of 5E.s of Road safety including Road Engineering, Vehicular Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Emergency care.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Chief Scientist, CSIR – CRRI stressed on the need of the country to have separate dedicated lanes for Two wheelers .