Vehicle Safety Features Required For Indian Roads

Anti-Lock Braking System was a term that was unheard of by most Indians, but that has changed now as most cars and high end two wheelers provide this as an optional feature. ABS works by electronically controlling the pressure applied on brakes, thus allowing the wheels to continue spinning to maintain traction. This might increase the stopping distance, but if the wheel stops rotating prematurely and loses traction the vehicle could go into an uncontrolled slide.

You might have come across this term, but not known what it stands for or what it does. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as it is called ensures each of the four wheels of a car gets appropriate measure of brake pressure. The electronics control this automatically in case of emergencies. This prevents understeer and oversteer.

Electronic Stability Control or Dynamic Stability Control is another electronic technology that obtains control over the vehicle through controlling braking. ESC's function is to maintain vehicle traction. Whenever the system detects loss of traction brakes are applied automatically. This gives the driver better steering control

TPMS stands for Tire pressure Monitoring System. One of the most underrated aspect of vehicle safety is tyre pressure. Optimum tyre pressure provides the best traction or grip on the road. This also provides better steering control over the vehicle and not to forget, improves mileage. TPMS employs a pressure sensor inside the tyre that sends a radio signal to the on-board computer alerting the driver about low tyre pressure.

Yes, we all know about this one, but a large number of car buyers decide to go for a model without air bags. High end models are provided with several air bags, which cover all the critical areas, including side impacts and frontal impacts. But did you know that air bags can cause serious injury by themselves. Air bags are most effective and cost the least injury when you wear your seat belts.

Important for obvious reasons. Some seat belts come with advanced features, which automatically tighten during the event of a crash and loosen up immediately after the crash.

This is a feature that has become more common in recent years. As the name suggests sensors on the back of the car detect objects that are too close to the vehicle and send out a visual or audio warning to the driver.

A small camera mounted at the back of the car captures and displays a live feed on a display on the dashboard. While it is not offered in low and mid range cars, such systems can be added separately for some extra bucks to make parking a lot easier.

Regular cruise control works by maintaining a constant speed, which is useful while travelling long distances over highways. Some modern cruise control systems come with sensors that detect objects in front and slowdown to avoid collision. In case the object gets too close for comfort brakes are applied automatically.

Hill Descent Climb is a feature with a more specific use. This is a safety feature/driver aid that is most useful for tackling rough terrain and gradients. HDC incorporates ABS, EBD and several other electronic functions to control vehicle speed, provide optimum traction and braking while you drive down or climb up a steep and rough patch of ground.