By Allyson 
In the realm of car safety, there’s one topic that has repeatedly come into question: the Global NCAP crash test ratings. Ten years ago, seven of India’s most popular cars scored zero in these tests. Despite this glaring shortfall in safety, the sales of these cars were not halted. What does this mean? Are we missing some deeper truths about Global NCAP? In this article, we’ll unravel the history and facts behind car safety standards, how Global NCAP operates, and its significant influence on India’s automotive market.
The Indian Car Market and the Neglect of Safety
With 500,000 road accidents and 150,000 fatalities each year, it’s clear that car safety hasn’t been a top priority for Indian buyers. Many of these accidents could be mitigated by enforcing better safety standards, such as making sure the number of airbags equals the number of passengers. But let’s take a step back and explore where this safety journey began.
The Birth of Car Safety Regulations in the US
To truly understand the global car safety landscape, we must travel back to the 1960s in America. At that time, the “Big Three” — Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors — held a staggering 85% market share in the United States. These automotive giants had such dominance that they often disregarded new government regulations, including safety measures. Customer complaints were routinely ignored, and safety features were practically non-existent.
Then, in 1966, Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed rocked the automotive world. The book exposed the complete lack of safety in American cars, pushing the U.S. government to form the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While the NHTSA’s primary goal was supposed to be enforcing safety regulations, it was mostly concerned with fuel efficiency and customer complaints. The safety aspect was an afterthought.
The Introduction of Crash Tests
Eventually, under NHTSA’s jurisdiction, crash tests began, though at a modest speed of 48 km/h. These tests were simplistic, often featuring only one dummy in the driver’s seat. The agency received thousands of letters yearly from concerned citizens asking about car safety. But without a simplified system, the results were too complicated for the average person to interpret.
Enter Joan Claybrook, the NHTSA head at the time. Although she couldn’t overhaul the system due to bureaucratic hurdles, she raised the crash test speed to 56 km/h. She and her colleague Jack Gillis later compiled all crash test data into a consumer-friendly book titled The Car Book, which introduced the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), laying the foundation for what we now know as Global NCAP.
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Global NCAP: An Overview
Global NCAP, formed as part of the UK-based charity trust “Towards Zero Foundation,” aims to reduce road accidents and fatalities worldwide. Established on the principles of NCAP, its primary goal is to ensure that vehicles meet higher safety standards. Global NCAP has played a pivotal role in shaping the automotive landscape, pushing for safer cars not just in developed markets, but also in emerging ones like India.
In 2014, Global NCAP crash-tested seven popular Indian cars, all of which scored zero stars. This shocking result forced the Indian government to take action, increasing the crash test speed from 24 km/h to 56 km/h, matching global standards. However, safety regulations in India remain voluntary, meaning that automakers can choose whether or not to have their cars tested.
Global NCAP’s Testing Process
One common question is how Global NCAP selects which cars to test. The process is straightforward but crucial: if a car is sponsored by the manufacturer, Global NCAP buys it directly from the dealership, ships it to their European base, and tests it. If a car isn’t sponsored, the Global NCAP team selects three cars from the manufacturer’s production facility to ensure there’s no tampering.
The crash tests are conducted at 64 km/h, reflecting the speed at which most real-world accidents occur after accounting for a driver’s braking reaction. The United Nations, meanwhile, sets the standard for testing at 56 km/h, a protocol still followed by India’s Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
The Challenges and Concerns of Global NCAP
Global NCAP has faced several criticisms, including claims that manufacturers who sponsor the tests have an advantage. It’s essential to understand that sponsoring the test doesn’t guarantee a higher rating. In fact, the tests have become more stringent in recent years, introducing new assessments like the side pole test, which requires six airbags to pass.
Another concern is how the crash tests reflect real-world scenarios. Even if a car receives a five-star rating, it doesn’t guarantee complete safety unless passengers use seat belts, child seats, and other safety measures correctly. For example, in India, it’s common for people to skip using seat belts in the back seat, significantly reducing the effectiveness of the car’s safety features.
The Impact on Indian Automakers
Since the introduction of Global NCAP in India, several automakers have started emphasizing safety. Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, known for reducing car weight to improve fuel efficiency, have increased the weight of newer models like the Baleno and Brezza to enhance safety. Hyundai has announced plans to equip all their cars with six airbags in the future, and many manufacturers are voluntarily submitting cars for NCAP testing to improve their safety ratings and market them accordingly.
Bharat NCAP: The Indian Version
To further promote safety awareness, Bharat NCAP was recently introduced. Although this initiative promises to bring more cars under safety scrutiny, it remains a voluntary program. The good news is that cars no longer have to be shipped to Europe for testing, reducing costs and encouraging more automakers to participate.
The Importance of Tyres and Child Seats
While crash test ratings are essential, other factors like tyre maintenance and child seat usage play an equally crucial role in car safety. For instance, many Indian drivers neglect to change their tyres, especially during the monsoon season, which significantly reduces traction and the effectiveness of safety features.
When it comes to child seats, many Indian parents skip this critical safety step. Global NCAP suggests investing in reliable brands such as Britax Roamer or ZOE, depending on your budget. These seats are tested and approved by NCAP, ensuring the highest level of safety for your children.
Conclusion
Global NCAP has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in enhancing car safety awareness, not just in India but globally. Thanks to its efforts, automakers are now focusing on building safer vehicles, and governments are tightening regulations. While there are still challenges, such as voluntary testing and consumer behavior, the future of car safety looks brighter.
In the meantime, remember that safety isn’t just about the car you buy, but also how you maintain it. Regularly check your tyres, always use seat belts, and invest in a good child seat. Your safety — and that of your family — is worth it.
Table: Key Safety Factors and Recommendations
| Safety Factor | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Crash Test Speed | Opt for cars tested at 64 km/h or higher |
| Airbags | Ensure at least 6 airbags in your vehicle |
| Child Seat | Invest in Britax Roamer or ZOE seats |
| Tyre Maintenance | Replace tyres regularly, especially in monsoons |
| Seat Belt Usage | Always wear seat belts, even in the back seats |
| Safety Ratings | Check for 5-star NCAP ratings before purchasing |
FAQs
- What is Global NCAP?
Global NCAP is a UK-based charity that tests the safety of cars worldwide to promote better safety standards. - Why are Indian cars tested at 56 km/h?
This is based on a UN resolution that set 56 km/h as the standard speed for crash tests. - Can a manufacturer influence their Global NCAP rating?
Sponsorship of a test does not guarantee a higher rating. Cars must meet strict safety criteria to achieve a high score. - Why did Indian cars score zero in Global NCAP tests?
In 2014, many Indian cars lacked essential safety features, leading to poor performance in crash tests. - Is Bharat NCAP mandatory for Indian car manufacturers?
No, participation in Bharat NCAP is voluntary, although more manufacturers are opting in. - How do child seats improve safety?
Child seats are designed to protect children in case of a crash, preventing serious injuries. - What should I look for in a safe car?
Look for high NCAP ratings, at least six airbags, and ensure you regularly maintain your tyres and use seat belts.