The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a notification requiring all two-wheelers above 125cc to feature ABS (anti-lock brakes) as a standard fitment, starting from April 1, 2018. For two-wheelers below the specified capacity, manufacturers will have to offer either an ABS or a combined braking system according to the new directive.
Anti-lock brakes, better known as ABS, is a safety feature which prevents a vehicle’s wheels from locking up whenever the rider applies the brakes too hard. The ABS system works in conjunction with the braking hardware in the vehicle, controlling the amount of braking force sent to the wheels with the help of electronic sensors. This prevents the vehicle from skidding during a panic stop situation, significantly reducing the probability of an accident.
The unpredictability of roads and the lack of awareness among the riders is a major cause of accidents in India. This new regulation is aimed at reducing the number of accidents by making two-wheelers safer. India has now joined the likes of Europe, Japan and Taiwan which have made ABS compulsory in some form or the other, while the US and Australia are also planning to have a similar code in place.
Source: AutocarPro
