re: Government to take strict action against bull bars & crash guards Over the last few days, since the notification was made available, I have noticed sporadic instances of resistance and people coming up with stereotypical justifications. Now, let me first submit that I have always been a strong opposer of Bull bars. I knew they were illegal fitments and in fact have raised my voice at many forums regarding the same. Having said that, we as a nation, have always been averse to change. We as a nation have always needed to be coerced into following perfectly understandable laws. Thus, the resistance is not totally unexpected. I will try to address a few of the concerns here :
1. Livelihood of people - Luckily, for people engaged in the manufacture of these stainless steel Bars/contraptions, they already have the equipment to make many different SS items which are in demand in the market. Thus, I believe, that no major harm will fall upon these manufacturers or their employees. They can make railings for balconies and staircases for example. They already do that. As for the accessories shops, the rate at which they fleece customers on electronics, I do not think a Bull Bar is as profitable anyway. Especially, as it eats up considerable man power and work hours to install and do not carry obnoxious price tags as some head units and speakers.
2. Scratch/dent by errant bikers - I know my answer to this is very rude. I believe, if you are cost conscious about a bumper touch up/replacement job once a year, you might as well sell your car and buy a bicycle. Nowadays, most of us use zero depreciation insurance policies making these minor repair jobs even easier for the pocket.(yes, come at me with your NCB rants now)
3. Sense of added safety : Most drivers using bull bars are generally not very confident about (a) The dimension of their vehicle (b) Their own capability as a driver. Although they will cite the excuse of others bumping into them, but deep inside, it is their fear of bumping into someone or something. More than road hazards, it is the urge to protect your vehicle from being dented by one's own mistake. When they cite "safety" as the reason, they actually mean "apprehension". It doesn't take a genius to know that these things are not safe in the first place.
Get rid of your contraptions please. I urge you all resisting this effort to let go of your ego for the betterment of road safety, and in the process realize how good your Scorpio/Storme/Bolero and even the Sumo looks without these.
Bull bars for special/off-road applications are way better in regard to being hazardous on road, but still cannot be called safe. We can urge the manufacturers to make provisions for user friendly and effortless fitment and replacement in vehicles intended for special purposes, like a 4x4. Something as easy as a tyre swap I am thinking. |