New Delhi: As a part of the ongoing Road Safety Week initiative, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) in association with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India (MoRTH) and Delhi Traffic Police organized a seminar on ‘Emerging trends in Safety on Roads’ today. The sessions touched the right chords discussing use of latest automotive technology to reduce road fatalities. They pointed out the need of proper enforcement of rules and regulations and awareness of drivers as well as masses. These are primarily needed to reap the full benefits of technology advancements for improving road safety. Declaring the year 2019-2020 as ‘National Road Safety Year’, SIAM is constantly working hard to enhance road safety in India through various onsite & online campaigns, awareness programs, seminars, rallies and other initiatives.
Ms Neeti Sarkar, CEO and PD, NATRiP, Govt. of India said, “Safety is indeed the prime concern now because of the alarming fatality figures on road. But with emerging technologies and the strengthening of law and regulations, situation in India is bound to improve in spite of high traffic density and vast climatic ranges. NATRiP is setting up more testing facilities to ensure vehicles’ safety condition. Testing agencies and OEMs will work together on safety of Indian roads.”
Mr Taj Hassan, Special Commissioner, Delhi Traffic Police pointed out that, “Vehicle safety technology up gradation and awareness programs alone are not bringing the desired results because of lack of self-discipline. Many issues are there in the area of road safety and lack of co-ordinations amongst stakeholders. Technology has potential to solve enforcement problems and bring many changes- like introduction of mobile numbers to connect users will help in getting rid of the wrong address problems. We look forward to solve these issues and also want industries to join hands in ensuring the road safety in every possible way.
In his speech, Mr Abhay Damle, Joint Secretary, MoRTH, Govt. of India congratulated SIAM for announcing 2019-2020 as National Road Safety Year. He also mentioned that – “Even if drivers are not cautious enough, the vehicles and road infrastructures have to assist in avoiding accidents. Technology should take care of the safety features like airbag and seatbelts in cars, proper sized helmets available with two wheelers, truck standard and regular fitness maintenance regime as well as maintaining the black spots. But above all, to make the technologies fruitful, all of us have to comply with the laws.”
Explaining the road safety initiatives, Mr Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director (Technical), SIAM requested all stakeholders in joining with mission of SIAM NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY YEAR 2019-2020. He also stated, “As part of Road safety initiative, SIAM members would take up multiple activities pan India involving engineering, education, enforcement and accident data analysis throughout the year.”
During the day, two technical sessions were organized. The first was on ‘Vehicular Safety Standards’ which talked about the safety features on two wheelers, four wheelers and commercial vehicles like dynamic steering, automated manual transmission, telematics system, safe cabin, cruise control, lane keeping assist system features to equip drivers with more control over human errors.
The second session on ‘Auto Components Safety Standards’ highlighted the use of genuine parts, using helmets of proper standards and awareness of having proper lights on the vehicle help to avoid accidents. It was also discussed that proper infrastructures and investments in this field, regularizing, standardizing and digitizing the after-market of spare parts will lead to reducing road fatality only if the drivers and fellow citizens are aware.
Also there were two brain storming sessions which brought various interesting suggestions and ideas, such as a system of camera monitoring on driver’s activity, taking control of the situation and safety features to reduce stress level of drivers. Meanwhile the topic of role of inspections and certification in bringing road safety sparked debate and discussions about awareness, all over again.
About SIAM
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) is a non-profit apex national body representing all major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. SIAM works towards supporting sustainable development of the Indian Automobile Industry with the vision that India emerges as the destination of choice in the world for design and manufacture of automobiles. It also works towards facilitating enhancement of the competitiveness of the Indian Automobile Industry, reducing cost of vehicles, increasing productivity and achieving global standards of quality.
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