From April 2019, all new cars get enhanced safety features

A soft reminder that from April 2019, all new cars will come equipped with enhanced safety features. Features such as ABS, driver side airbag, seat belt warning, high-speed warning and rear parking sensors will be offered as standard. 

These safety features have been standard on all new models launched after April 2018. However, as per new safety norms, it is mandatory for automakers to provide these features on all models. 

Here is a list of all the mandatory safety features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS):

ABS prevents the front wheels of the car from locking up on panic braking. It prevents the car from skidding off the road surface.

Airbags:

Airbags reduce the risk of injury in case of a collision. All cars sold in India will be equipped with at least a driver side airbag, while more expensive cars might get dual airbags as standard. 

Seat belt warning:

The system is designed to remind the driver and front passenger to wear the seat belt. It sounds a warning beep when seat belts are not used. Also, the driver gets a warning light in the instrument cluster. This feature will be mandatory from July 2019.

High-speed warning:

All vehicles manufactured after July 2019 will be fitted with a high-speed warning system that sounds a beep when the vehicle exceeds 80 km/h. Above 120 km/h the system starts beeping continuously. Commercial vehicles will be equipped with a speed limiter set at 80 km/h.

Reverse parking sensors:

Rear parking sensors warn the driver of obstacles behind the vehicle. The sensors are activated when the car is put in reverse.

Central locking with manual override:

To prevent passengers from getting trapped inside the vehicle, all cars that have electronic central locking will come fitted with a manual override.