Airbags Cars in India

Airbags in Cars in India: All You Need to Know for Safer Driving

Introduction

In recent years, the demand for airbag-equipped cars has been steadily rising in India, reflecting a growing awareness and concern for road safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has taken significant steps to improve vehicle safety by making dual airbags mandatory in all cars since April 2021. Airbags play a crucial role in protecting drivers and passengers during accidents, and their widespread adoption in Indian vehicles is a positive step towards reducing the risk of fatalities on the roads.

What are Airbags?

Airbags in cars are supplementary safety devices designed to protect occupants during collisions. They work by slowing down the forward motion of the driver or passengers in the event of a crash, thereby reducing the impact forces and minimizing the risk of severe injuries. Airbags are intended to prevent the upper body and head from colliding with the vehicle's interior during a crash, potentially preventing fatal accidents.

Different Types of Airbags in Cars

Modern cars come equipped with various types of airbags to ensure comprehensive protection for occupants. Some common types of airbags found in cars include:

1. Frontal Airbags: These airbags are located in the steering wheel hub and the dashboard, and they deploy during front-end collisions to protect the driver and front passenger.

2. Side Airbags: Side airbags are designed to protect occupants in the event of a side impact or rollover, reducing the risk of injuries to the torso and pelvis.

3. Knee Airbags: Knee airbags are deployed in the front section of the car to protect the driver's knees from colliding with the steering column and dashboard during a frontal crash.

4. Curtain Airbags: These airbags inflate downwards from the roof sill of the car to protect the heads of occupants during side impacts.

5. Footbags: Installed near the foot area, footbags reduce injuries related to the feet and lower part of the legs.

6. Seatbelt Airbags: These airbags are integrated into the seatbelt and provide additional protection to the upper half of the body.

7. Side Torso Airbags: Deployed from the side of the seat, side torso airbags offer protection to the upper body during side collisions.

Optimal Number of Airbags in Cars

To ensure maximum safety, it is recommended to have airbags that protect the head, face, neck, and thorax in both front and side crashes. This includes frontal, side, and curtain airbags. A car equipped with at least six airbags provides a good level of protection. However, some vehicles offer more than six airbags, further enhancing safety.

Popular Cars with Six Airbags in India

For those seeking cars equipped with six airbags in India, several models offer this advanced safety feature. Here are some popular choices:

1. Ford Figo - The Ford Figo Automatic variant comes with six airbags, providing comprehensive protection to occupants.

2. Hyundai Elite i20 - Both the Hyundai Elite i20 and its crossover sister, the i20 Active, come with six airbags for enhanced safety.

3. Ford Figo Aspire - The Ford Figo Aspire model features a total of six airbags, including side and curtain airbags.

4. Ford EcoSport - The Ford EcoSport comes with six airbags, including driver and co-occupant airbags, side, and curtain airbags.

Affordable Airbag-Equipped Cars in India

For budget-conscious buyers, several affordable cars in India come with airbags for added safety. Some of these options include:

1. Maruti Alto 800 - Starting at INR 2.52 lakhs, the Maruti Alto 800 offers a driver-side airbag along with other safety features.

2. Maruti Alto K10 - The LX(O) version of the Maruti Alto K10 comes with a driver-side airbag and is priced at INR 3.33 lakhs.

3. Datsun Redi-Go - The S version of Datsun Redi-Go features a driver-side airbag and is priced at INR 3.37 lakhs.

4. Hyundai Eon - The Lite Plus version of Hyundai Eon comes with a driver-side airbag and starts at INR 3.56 lakhs.

Conclusion

Airbags have become an essential safety feature in Indian cars, with the government's push for mandating dual airbags in all vehicles. These devices provide a critical layer of protection during collisions, significantly reducing the risk of fatal injuries to drivers and passengers. By choosing vehicles equipped with multiple airbags, Indian drivers can prioritize safety on the roads and contribute to a safer driving environment for all. Remember, it's always better to invest in your safety and well-being than to compromise on it.