Why Don't All Cars Have Compulsory Airbags?

The discussion around safety features in automobiles has been a topic of debate for quite some time. In India, for instance, the government has mandated several safety features, including airbags and Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), to be standard on all cars. However, the question remains: why aren't all cars equipped with airbags as a mandatory requirement?

Cost and Necessity

The primary reason for not mandating airbags as a compulsory feature is cost. Producing even a basic model of a car is already expensive, and adding advanced safety features like airbags can significantly increase the price. This is a major concern, especially in a market where affordability is a key factor. Additionally, the majority of cars in India are used primarily for urban commuting, typically at speeds well below the limit at which airbags would be necessary to provide significant protection.

The Benefits of Seat Belts

Even without the presence of airbags, seat belts can greatly reduce the risk of injury in a collision. For drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles, seat belts are essential for safety. The effectiveness of seat belts is evident in statistics and real-world scenarios, where they have proven to be life-saving devices. While airbags can provide additional protection in high-speed and severe accidents, they are not a replacement for seat belts.

Current Status in India

Currently, in India, all cars sold come equipped with at least a driver-side airbag and ABS. This is a significant step towards ensuring basic safety standards, but it raises the question of why passenger-side airbags are not made mandatory. Some manufacturers still produce cars with a single airbag, indicating a gap in the market's demand for this feature.

Airbags: Not Necessarily Essential

The primary function of airbags is to prevent serious chest injuries from the steering wheel. However, in most cases, passengers are protected by seat belts and would not suffer significant injuries from a collision with the dashboard. Therefore, the front passenger airbag is not considered a necessity. While it is now a default feature for all variants due to new regulations, many manufacturers still offer the option to switch it off for added convenience and cost savings.

The Role of Awareness and Regulation

Similar to the case of seat belts, the availability and use of airbags depend on public awareness and the implementation of mandatory regulations. In societies where the emphasis on safety is high, people are more likely to support and comply with safety measures. For instance, while many local trains in India still run with open doors, the trend is shifting towards ensuring that all vehicles, including trains and buses, are equipped with safety features.

City Commuting vs. Highway Driving

The majority of car owners in India use their vehicles for urban commuting, where speeds are generally low. Highways and long-distance driving are relatively rarer, and thus the necessity for airbags is less evident. In such scenarios, seat belts are deemed sufficient to ensure the safety of occupants. The implementation of airbags becomes more critical when considering higher speeds and more severe driving conditions.

Future Trends in Safety Features

As awareness about safety continues to grow, it is likely that the trend towards mandatory airbags will eventually take hold. Changes in laws and regulations are typically the driving force behind such developments. With the implementation of BS-VI standards, airbags are now a default feature in vehicles, ensuring that all drivers and passengers benefit from this safety measure.

Alongside airbags, other significant safety measures such as Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are already becoming more widespread. These systems prevent the wheels from locking during braking, reducing the risk of skidding and increasing control over the vehicle. In the case of motorcycles, this technology is already being enforced with strict deadlines.

Conclusion

The question of whether all cars should have compulsory airbags is a complex one. While airbags undoubtedly provide an added layer of protection, they are not always necessary for the typical driving conditions and speeds found in urban areas. As societies become more safety-conscious and laws are enforced, it is expected that the trend towards making airbags a mandatory feature will continue. However, until then, the balance between cost, safety, and public awareness will continue to shape the requirements for safety features in automobiles.