The govt is working actively to reduce the rash riding behaviour and stunting on two-wheelers by introducing a new sensor-based three-layer safety system
The Indian Government is planning to roll out a three-layer safety system for two-wheelers to ensure safer riding. It has been learnt that this safety system will be assisted by advanced technology, which will ensure that riders have their both hands on the handlebars. If the riders disengage their hands from the handlebars, this safety system will issue multiple alerts and eventually slow down the motorcycle/scooter on its own. Needless to mention, India records the highest number of road fatalities in the whole world and hence it is being introduced to curb rash riding behavior.
If this three-layer safety system indeed sees the daylight, then it would require the two-wheeler brands to install such a technology in their vehicles which can detect if the rider has both his hands on the handlebars. India has been plagued by the youngsters who ride at higher speeds without their hands on the handle and performing bizarre stunts. This not only endangers their own life, but also several others in the vicnity, including pedestrians.
As per the draft proposal, the first layer will make sure the vehicle doesn’t start at all if both hands are not placed on the handlebars. The sensors installed by the OEMs on the handle will verify whether both the hands are placed in a proper position and if not, it will prevent the ignition and subsequently the rider will not be able to start his/her two-wheeler.
The second layer will be designed to issue an audio visual warning to the riders if they remove their hands from the handlebars, while on the go for more than 3 seconds. The third and the last layer will automatically slow down the vehicle if the rider continues to ride without hands on the handlebars for more than 8 seconds. A coast-down mode will be activated if the rider refuses to acknowledge the audio visual alerts and continues riding without hands on the handle.
If the draft proposal is accepted by all the stakeholders and comes into effect, then it could hike the prices of two-wheelers by Rs 2000. The installation of three layer safety system could cost around Rs 1500-1700 to the manufacturers due to the higher cost of sensor(s) which will be placed on the handlebars of the two-wheelers to detect the hand movement of riders.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in its Accidental Death and Suicides in India 2024 Report, revealed that nearly 4.68 lakh road accident cases were reported across the country in 2024. The report further stated that most of these accidents involved two-wheelers and as a result of which, over 1.75 people were dead while around 4.48 lakh were severely injured.
