After a Conglomerate Dies in a Traffic Accident, India Urges "Install 6 Airbags in Every Car"

Mandatory Installation of 6 Airbags and Promotion of Seatbelt Non-Wearing Warning Devices

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Following the death of a conglomerate heir in a traffic accident in India, authorities have stepped up efforts to enhance traffic safety.

On the 8th (local time), according to Indian media such as NDTV, Nitin Gadkari, India's Minister of Transport, stated, "We will finalize regulations to mandate the installation of six airbags in all vehicles by June next year."

Earlier in January, India had drafted related regulations, but due to opposition from some automobile companies concerned about rising vehicle prices, the system has not yet been formalized. Currently, only two front-seat airbags are mandatory.

Minister Gadkari also announced plans to make the installation of rear-seat seatbelt warning devices mandatory. He emphasized, "Wearing seatbelts in the rear seats is already mandatory, but people often do not comply," adding, "Fines will be imposed for non-compliance."

India frequently experiences numerous traffic accidents due to poor road conditions and frequent traffic rule violations. Minister Gadkari said, "Last year alone, there were over 500,000 traffic accidents resulting in more than 150,000 deaths," expressing hope to reduce this number by half by the end of 2024.

On the 4th, former Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry passed away in a traffic accident, prompting Indian authorities to strengthen traffic safety measures. The photo shows the vehicle involved in the accident that Cyrus Mistry was in.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, on the 4th, the death of Cyrus Mistry, former chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the major conglomerate Tata Group, in a traffic accident brought road traffic issues back into the spotlight. At the time, the Mercedes-Benz SUV carrying Mistry collided with a road divider near western Mumbai, killing Mistry and another rear-seat passenger. According to the police, the vehicle was reportedly speeding and attempting to overtake another car.

Local media analyzed that a combination of factors such as failure to wear seatbelts and airbag issues contributed to Mistry's death. At the time of the accident, Mistry was not wearing a seatbelt, and only curtain airbags were deployed in the rear seats. The two occupants in the front seats survived thanks to airbags and seatbelts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.