Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051201560200.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

New brake system

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A presentation on Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Anti-Spin Regulation (ASR), the new brake system to be made mandatory in heavy vehicles, was made at the two-day Refresher training programme for heavy vehicle drivers that concluded on Tuesday.

The technical presentation on "New brake systems" was made by David Amalraj from Chennai at the training programme organised by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac).

The ABS prevents skidding of vehicles, reduces stopping distance and increases stability, life of tyre, brakes and suspension.

The ASR prevents spinning of vehicle on slippery surface.

Already, new generation cars are equipped with ABS and ASR. A release from Natpac said the Government is trying to make the brake system mandatory in heavy vehicles carrying explosives, chemicals and petroleum products in the country.

At the training programme, classes were organised on licence procedure, accident prevention techniques and on First Aid.

The playing of audio and video systems in motor vehicles disturbs the drivers and often result in accidents, according to Motor Vehicle Inspector P. M. Shaji.

He pointed out that installing audio and video systems in motor vehicles have been banned by law.

Deputy Director of Health Services T. V. Velayudhan spoke on First Aid and the chances of getting infected while attending accident victims. At the end of the training programme, a written test was also conducted for the drivers.