NEW DELHI: In a move to improve safety of two-wheeler riders, the road transport ministry has decided to make the anti-lock braking systems (ABS) mandatory for all new scooties, bikes and motorcycles manufactured after January next year irrespective of their engine capacity. The ministry will also soon make it mandatory for manufacturers and dealers to provide two BIS-certified helmets with two-wheelers at the time of sale.Officials said the decisions are important considering that two-wheeler occupants have nearly 44% share of all road deaths in the country and most of these are due to head injuries caused because of not wearing safety gear.The notifications for both these regulations will be out in the next few days.“At present, ABS is mandatory only in two-wheelers having engine capacity of over 125cc and so nearly 45% bikes and motorcycles don’t have this. With the new notification, this will be applicable for all new bikes and motorcycles. As almost all these vehicles can achieve 70 kmph, this feature becomes all the more important to reduce chances of crashes,” said a ministry official.ABS is a safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during sudden braking, enhancing control and reducing stopping distances, especially on slippery roads. According to different studies and estimates, ABS can reduce road crashes by 35-45%.On the decision to provide two certified helmets at the time of sale, an official said this is aimed at inculcating a behaviour among bike riders to use safe helmets. Till now, it’s mandatory to provide one helmet.
