Proposing crash test safety rating for two wheelers, electric two and three wheelers, and trucks in India

Emerging Trends Demand Expansion of Vehicle Safety Assessment in India

While the Bharat NCAP program focused initially on passenger cars is a commendable start, rapidly changing circumstances necessitate widening the scope to various other vehicle categories that remain overlooked from a safety perspective. Two such important segments requiring immediate attention are two-wheelers including both conventional and electric models, as well as commercial freight vehicles like trucks that form the backbone of road transport in India.

The two-wheeler market comprises of motorcycles, scooters as well as the fast-growing category of electric bikes and three-wheelers used for passenger and cargo mobility in both urban and rural areas. Low sticker prices have made them accessible to a wide section of society for daily commuting. However, to promote their safe usage, significant structural and technical enhancements are warranted based on scientific assessment of accident-worthiness. Similarly, trucks dominate Indian highways but lack adequate crash protection for both occupants and other vehicles they share the road with.

Introducing matching star-rating protocols for these segments will instill a culture of safety among manufacturers while empowering consumers to make informed choices. The following approach can help address this important need:

Two-Wheeler Testing Parameters

Two-wheelers represent a unique challenge due to their lighter construction and relative instability compared to cars. Hence, customized test methods are required such as:

·        Frontal Impact - Crashes into deformable barrier at specified speed/offset to evaluate structural integrity, braking systems and injuries to dummy rider.

·        Rear Impact - One two-wheeler is rammed from behind by a heavy test car assessing damage and whiplash injuries.

·        ABS/CBS Evaluation - Testing on-road performance of these critical active safety systems under wet/dry conditions.

·        Electric/Hybrid Safety - Battery strength, fire resistance and automatic cut-offs during/after accidents.

Additionally, tests for braking efficiency, lighting/signaling systems, ergonomics and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) can offer balanced scoring. Positive scoring may also consider items like rear-view mirrors, helmets etc.

Truck Testing Parameters

Given trucks were not designed primarily for protection, robust tests are needed to rate and drive safety enhancements such as:

·        Frontal Offset Impact - Crash truck cabin into offset deformable barrier at various impact speeds.

·        Side Impact - Simulate collision with heavy car/truck at intersection scenarios.

·        Rollover Assessment - Prevent uncontrolled tips and ensure passenger safety cage integrity.

·        ESC Performance - Evaluate dynamic stability control during various maneuvers.

·        Automatic Emergency Braking - Assess pedestrian/vehicle detection range under different conditions.

·        Cabin Integrity - Scoring based on scope for further improvements to protect driver seat area.

Rating Protocol

Applying learnings from global programs, India too can classify ratings from 1-5 stars based on performance. Additionally detailed start/scope for improvement scores may encourage continuous upgrades. Overall score may consider both passive safety (structure integrity) as well as active safety technologies. Public dissemination through websites, pamphlets at dealer points along with discounts/other incentives for 5-star vehicles can boost demand for safer options over time.

Undoubtedly, creating vehicle safety assessment and star rating capabilities catering to diverse segments entails large investments and expertise. However, even basic indigenous programs customized for Indian priorities can help establish minimum standards and incrementally promote a culture of safety. Considering the societal costs of accidents, this must be treated as a national priority by all stakeholders towards bolder progress on road safety. The government has demonstrated strong momentum, though and I hope Bharat NCAP evolves further to cover many more vehicle categories comprehensively in the near future.