3 Lakh lives claimed in accidents involving Maruti M800 says Dr. Kamal Soi member of National Road Safety Council
The Global NCAP crash test results released for Indian cars recently proved to be ominous and shocking as Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon secured zero stars. The tests were testament to the fact that how a stable body shell and the fitment of at least front airbags are significant in protecting occupants during crash scenarios.
Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) remarked that it was surprised to see a truly international manufacturer like Renault with “strong record of achievement in safety in Europe” endured no stars. India is one of the fast growing automobile markets in the world and the Global NCAP’s tests clearly indicated a change in safety policy by the government which is indeed making amendments to prioritise safer cars on road.
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Amidst all that, there has been a claim emerged stating global automakers are reluctant to provide safety standards in India as in other well established markets. Kamal Soi, National Road Safety Council of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said the foreign manufacturers are dumping their cars in India with mediocre in-built features and therefore the fatal crashes have been continuously unavoidable.
He pointed out during a road safety conference that the BMW 3-Series sedan had been rated as average on side impact safety and it alleged to have split into two when twelve road crashes were analysed. He also said Maruti Suzuki’s all-time famous small car, the M800, was involved in road accidents that claimed three lakh lives based on the FIRs from National Crime Records Bureau.
Also Read: Assam Bans Small Cars Registration Which Failed Crash Test In Global NCAP
While Maruti Suzuki denied commenting on the allegation, a BMW India’s spokesman, when contact by IndiaToday, said the entire range of models sold by the German brand adheres to the safety standards followed globally. Kamal Soi went on to say the car makers should introduce all the basic safety features right from the affordable segments.
Source: indiatoday.intoday.in