Those who love to drive bikes should also know that safety is one of the aspects that they should focus the most on. Well, whether they do so or not, the authorities definitely are doing so and tailoring rules according to the leap in technology as well as its affordability. This will ensure that the benefits of these top features become available to all. So, bikers should know that from April 1, 2019, all the models above 125 cc will have to pack ABS (anti-lock braking system) - it will become mandatory. And for bikes below 125 cc, manufacturers have an option to equip either ABS or CBS (combined braking system) technology to meet the government norms.
 
If you are planning to buy a non-ABS bike above 125 cc, you may not face any problem till March 31, 2019 but after that you will be directed to follow the stipulated norms. However, so far it is not known whether the ABS system would be installed by the factory approved service centres or by any third parties. 
 
The Global NCAP in its recently concluded event, organised at Greater Noida, has recommended that these norms should be made mandatory for road safety. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has earlier directed that any two-wheeler launched from April 1, 2018, above 125cc would need to be equipped with ABS, while two-wheelers below that capacity would come with at least a combined braking system (CBS).
 
The ruling reportedly stated that existing two-wheelers in the manufacturers’ lineup will also have to get the braking system fitted before the next financial year, i.e. before April 2019.
 
According the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Department report submitted in 2012, approximately 36,000 people lost their lives while riding a two-wheeler. Notably, this figure comes to about 26 per cent of the total traffic accidents in the country. 
 
A study from Bosch's accident research department reportedly stated that every third accident involving a two-wheeler can be avoided with the implementation of ABS.
 
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Notably, the ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under hard braking, and its biggest advantage is that biker will still have control of the steering and the direction in which the bike goes. This ensures that the vehicle does not go out of control. However, the CBS function involves when both brakes on a two-wheeler are activated by pressing just one lever.