Can ABS Prevent One Third of Two-Wheeler Fatalities?

Is ABS (Antilock Braking System) necessary for two wheelers? Can ABS be life saving in a two-wheeler? Some people are of the opinion that ABS is only for cars and not necessarily for two-wheelers. Just as the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, last year, announced that ABS/CBS (Combined Braking System) compliance must be mandatory on all bikes with 125cc engines and higher, by April 2017, it is important to have the proper awareness on ABS for motorcycles.

This is a welcome move by the ministry, as motorcycle accidents constitute about 26 percent of the total number of fatal accidents. About 36000 deaths a year take place out of two-wheeler accidents. Bosch is of the opinion that the ABS compliance can reduce deaths by about one third of the current number of fatalities on road.

With the reduced braking distance using ABS on two-wheelers, collision speeds can reduce drastically, in about 16 percent of the accidents. The final compliance deadline for manufacturers is April 2018, before which new two-wheelers must have ABS, while existing models will get a one year grace period.

The ABS predicts individual wheel speeds using the speed sensors. While applying the brake, the ABS controller corrects both the braking force and the wheel speed to achieve maximum deceleration. This is done for both the wheels individually. This can lead to reduced braking distance, ability to steer away while sudden braking, braking perfectly on muddy and wet surfaces, etc.

Besides ABS, mandatory BS6 Compliance will kick in by 2020, in India, which will take us close to European regulations. BS4 to BS6 compliance will lead to lower HV NOx, by about 75 percent, along with the reduction in NOx emission by 85 percent, according to Bosch, while mileage on motorcycles will also increase due to the same.

Source:Vicky.in