Global NCAP (GNCAP), a U.K.-based NGO that is pioneering vehicle safety initiatives, has called on global vehicle manufacturers to democratise safety for all cars worldwide by 2020.
Millions of cars sold in emerging markets fail to meet the basic safety standards of UN, it says. Crash test standards introduced 20 years ago for cars sold in Europe are yet to be met by many new cars being sold today in leading middle income countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, it points out. “Manufacturers cannot continue to treat millions of their customers as second class citizens when it comes to life-saving standards of occupant protection,” a statement quoting Global NCAP Chairman Max Mosley said.
“About 48 per cent of all traffic fatalities are vehicle occupants. Thus, it is essential to improve automobile safety, especially in rapidly motorising regions, to avoid a growing global burden of road injury,’’ it argues. As part of its continuing efforts on vehicle safety works, GNCAP has come out with a report titled `Road Map for Safer Cars 2020’, which contains ten key recommendations.
Global NCAP feels that the drive for the democratisation of car safety must now be extended across all automotive markets worldwide. “By 2020 at the latest, we want all new cars to meet basic standards for both crash protection and crash avoidance. They must have crumple zones, air bags, and electronic stability control,” David Ward, Global NCAP Secretary-General and author of the Road Map report, says.
