We are hardly aware of our car safety ratings. Recently, an online automobile magazine in US reported and showed how small car Fortwo undergoing a crash test. The test revealed that the driver remained protected under some strenuous conditions. Safety standards are really strict in USA and other developed countries like Europe and Japan. Car companies go to great lengths to provide safety for occupants in these countries. The safety rating affects its success in the car market. This also hinder with the car’s annual insurance premium.

But such tests are rarely conducted on any vehicle in India. Even if it is conducted, car buyers will not have access to the reports. There is no source which provides the information of crash test to the consumers. But it is the customer’s right that such findings should be revealed. People in India are not even aware if any safety standards are there at all.

When Tata Nano was launched, Chairman of Tata Group Ratan Tata told that Nano had passed the crash test. There were no video clippings or reports that reveal customers under what conditions and parameters the ultra-low cost car was given the certification.

It is now high time for Indian car manufacturer to wakeup. They should focus more on safety standards.