NEW DELHI: All models of two-wheelers need to be fitted with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and combined braking system ( CBS ) by April 2018. The road transport ministry has issued a draft notification specifying the dates for compliance of these norms in its bid to reduce crashes and deaths involving two-wheelers by improving the braking system.

Riders of two-wheelers are the most vulnerable road users. Last year 32,524 lives were lost involving these vehicles and over 1.27 lakh persons were left injured.

ABS generally improves control over the vehicle and decreases stopping distances on dry and slippery surfaces. Due to fear of a locked wheel, riders often don’t apply the brake fully even in emergency situations, which contributes to higher number of crashes. ABS can avoid the accident or reduce collision speed significantly.

As per the draft rules, fitting ABS would be mandatory for all vehicles having more than 125 cc engine, which will cover majority of bikes and scooters. While the deadline for all new models is April 2017, the existing vehicles must comply with the norm from April 2018.

CBS is a system for linking front and rear brakes on a motorcycle or scooter. In this, the rider's action of depressing one of the brake levers applies both front and rear brakes. The amount of each brake applied is determined by a proportional control valve.

Ministry’s notification has set April 2017 as the deadline for fitting CBS in all new models of two-wheelers having less than 125cc engine. In the case of existing models, the manufacturers have to do so from April 2018 onwards.

