Govt Announces Mandatory Emergency Braking & Drowsiness Alerts in Vehicles

As part of an effort to improve road safety around the country, the government has published new regulations that will compel some important safety features on vehicles. From April 2026, some safety features will be mandatory on all new passenger vehicles for over eight people, buses, and lorries. The Ministry of Road Transport will release a public comment draft notice that requires the installation of new safety features on all new passenger cars carrying more than eight passengers, buses, and trucks. Some of these new safety features include next-generation emergency brakes, drowsiness alerts, and lane departure alerts.

Safety Features in New and Used Cars

All new cars, buses, and trucks will need to be equipped with these features by April 2026 under the new rules. The regulations will also be applicable to cars manufactured from October 2026, and thus even the older cars will also be updated as per the new rules.

Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS)

Among the most suitable features being added is the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS). It detects potential frontal collisions and brakes automatically if the driver reacts late. The idea is to prevent accidents by not crashing and, at least, minimizing the impact.

Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning System (DDAWS)

The second significant safety feature is the Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning System (DDAWS). The system notifies the driver whenever he or she becomes drowsy through features that monitor steering, lane position, and driver facial attributes. Once the system recognizes signs of drowsiness, it will send an alert warning to wake up the driver in order to avoid accidents caused by sluggish reaction due to drowsiness.

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) shall also be mandatory. It alerts the driver when his vehicle accidentally drifts out of the lane without him switching on the turn indicator. It provides an optical, audible, or vibratory signal to make the driver correct it. This system has been made for accident minimization due to distraction or driver drowsiness.

Blind Spot Information System

Furthermore, buses and trucks should be equipped with room for an onboard Blind Spot Information System. The system will detect pedestrians and cyclists on the road, particularly those in blind spots, and alert the driver. The purpose is to reduce accidents that involve cyclists and pedestrians because even with more mirrors, such accidents remain common.

Why These Features Matter

The introduction of these safety features is a component of the overall drive by the government to steer clear of road accidents, and commercial vehicle accidents in particular. Through the introduction of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the government wants to prevent accidents from occurring and reduce the impact of crashes in the case where they cannot be prevented.

These new regulations will not only prevent accidents but also ensure the roads are safe for the drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians. The more cars on the road and the traffic becoming thicker, the government is leaving no stone unturned in implementing these advanced technologies to ensure the roads are safe for everyone.

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