Functional airbags in cars could have saved over 13,000 lives in 2020: Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also noted that out of 14,271 lives lost due to side collisions in 2020, 31 per cent of those or 4,424 lives could have b
...
File photo of a proper airbag deployment during a vehicle crash used for representational purpose only.
File photo of a proper airbag deployment during a vehicle crash used for representational purpose only.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, while speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, informed that as many as 13,022 human lives could have been saved in the country in 2020 if there were functional airbags installed in cars. He added that a total of 8,598 people that died after head-on collisions of vehicles in the same year could have been saved with the use of airbags.

As many as 25,289 people were killed in head-on collisions in 2020, of which 30 per cent of lives in frontal collisions could be saved by proper deployment of airbags. Similarly, 14,271 lives were lost due to side collisions and 31 per cent of those or 4,424 lives could have been saved with the use of side airbags. “Every year, we face five lakh accidents and 1.5 lakh deaths. For that reason, we are now taking a number of measures," Gadkari said.

Also check these Cars

Find more Cars
Mahindra Ekuv100 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
BatteryCapacity Icon40 kWh Range Icon150 Km
₹ 8.25 - 10 Lakhs
View Details
Porsche 911 Gt3 (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon3996.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 2.50 Cr
Compare
View Offers
Mahindra S204 (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 12 Lakhs
View Details
Lexus Nx (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2494.0 cc FuelType IconMultiple
₹ 64.90 - 71.60 Lakhs
Compare
View Offers
Rolls-royce New Ghost (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
Engine Icon6750 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 6.95 - 7.95 Cr
View Details
Mercedes-benz Amg E53 Cabriolet (HT Auto photo)
Engine Icon2999.0 cc FuelType IconPetrol
₹ 1.30 Cr
Compare

Also Read : National Highways must have appropriate road safety measures, says Gadkari

He also highlighted that new norms that are being introduced to ensure the safety of vehicle users. "Six airbags are now mandatory. We have taken a decision to make it mandatory for the economy models also," he said. Additionally, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on a proposal in consultation with the stakeholders to formulate a plan which would test and assess the star rating of a car under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).

This programme, which will allocate a rating of one to five stars, will encourage auto manufacturers to voluntarily participate in a safety-testing assessment programme and incorporate higher safety levels in new car models with regard to various identified parameters. “We want to protect the lives of people and that is why we are going to start this rating system," the minister said.

(with inputs from PTI)

First Published Date: 30 Mar 2022, 18:03 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city

Want to get the best price for your existing car?

Powered by: Spinny Logo
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.