India is also getting a rousing applause for its efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Given the population load and weak public health infrastructure, it was feared that the pandemic might result in high levels of casualties or morbidities. A sustained sensitization programme coupled with the selfless services of thousands of corona warriors, has managed to keep the casualties low in India when measured in the context of its population.

However, this piece is not about waxing eloquent on the revival of the Indian economy or how we have taken the challenge of Coronavirus pandemic head-on or the way we have set a global benchmark in coming out with vaccines with single minded focus.

In fact, it is about our continued apathy to deal with another, and no less detrimental, challenge that has been rearing its head for years on end. Yes it’s about India’s poor track record of road safety where India continues to have the dubious distinction of largest number of road fatalities in the world. So much so that even during the April- June’20 period when a lockdown was imposed across the country, India lost as many as 20732 precious lives in road crashes.

Two recent pieces of news have been especially troubling. The number of fatalities due to collisions with parked vehicles on roads has more than doubled in the past three years. From 2317 such fatalities in 2017, the number has gone up to 5086 in 2020.

The use of retro reflective tapes on all commercial and transport vehicles is mandatory to obtain fitness certificate as per Motor Vehicle rules. However, leave alone cautionary signs to alert other drivers about parked or punctured vehicles, several parked trucks do not even have retro reflective tapes making stranded vehicles in the middle of the road a huge safety hazard especially at night.

Similarly, the usage of high beam continues to be very common in India. The purpose of the high beam is to provide a clear view to the driver at places where there is no immediate source of light. Under normal driving conditions low beams perfectly serve the purpose. However, as shown by a survey, as many as 74% drivers do not care if they are using dippers correctly. The other person can be blinded (for a few seconds) from direct exposure to a high beam or the glare in the rear-view mirror.

I would strongly urge the readers to visit #DimTheLights campaign being run by Apollo Tyres, an ATMA member. The campaign hopes to reduce the danger of accidents by encouraging drivers to use the high beams on their cars responsibly.

Generally, there is an attempt on the part of the Governments to soft pedal the uncomfortable data. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case here and the Government plans to take road safety in a mission mode.

Speaking at the National Road Safety Council meeting in January this year, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari minced no words when he stated “ Please publish all data on road deaths every month. Let everyone get exposed how they have failed. Let people pull us up, question us about failures and then only everyone will work… This is one area where we need immediate action. We can’t wait”.

The action is evident. For the first time, the National Highways Authority of India has promulgated a policy of heavy fines on contractors for accidents and deaths caused by structural defects in design, construction or maintenance of the stretches maintained by them. Such agencies will also not be allowed to bid for any NH project for three years.

Deaths due to Coronavirus are estimated at 1.5 lakh in the last one year in India. That’s roughly equal to road fatalities in road crashes year after year.

India has launched vaccination against Coronavirus in double quick time. Similar zeal is required to tackle the issue of road safety on a war footing. Would 2021 be different?

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Smithers, a renowned provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, has announced that its proving ground at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, has achieved ISO 17025 accreditation.

Operated on behalf of Discount Tyre, the facility’s accredited scope currently covers wet grip testing and tyre buffing, with plans to expand accreditation to include rolling resistance and pass-by-noise testing. The site boasts diverse paved and off-road test surfaces for comprehensive tyre performance validation. Additionally, it complies with UNECE Regulation No. 117 for Wet Grip and Pass-by Noise standards. This accreditation underscores Smithers' commitment to delivering high-quality testing services in the tyre industry.

Sean Connolly, Director of Test Track Operations at Smithers Winter Test Centre/Pearsall Test Track, said, “The tyre industry is currently focused on a variety of sustainability initiatives, such as reducing the rate of tread wear to extend the life of the tyre. Understanding tyre performance at varying levels of tread wear is critical for tyre manufacturers looking to get the most out of their designs.”

Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division, North America, said, “We’re incredibly proud that our existing processes and procedures meet the rigorous requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation. Accurate data, on time, is central of the Smithers promise on a global scale, and we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations with exceptional service as well.”

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Michelin, a leading tyre technology company, has launched its first Michelin Experience Store in India, in partnership with Bharat Tyres. The facility spread across 25,000 sqft is located in Adgaon on the Mumbai-Agra highway, Nashik and is Michelin’s largest store in the country.

It is designed not only to provide a premium experience, but also showcases the company’s global legacy through the Michelin Wall. Customers will also be to experience the Heritage Wall that visualise the heritage of both Michelin and its local dealership partner.

The Michelin Experience Store also has a Display Zone that showcases Michelin’s innovations in electric mobility, materials science and environmental responsibility.

The dealership also includes service areas for cars and trucks, PPF coating, precision wheel alignment, advanced balancing services, innovative puncture repair solutions, professional car detailing and a wide array of car accessories. 

Shantanu Deshpande, Managing Director, Michelin India, said, “We are proud to unveil Michelin’s first Experience Centre in India. The sole purpose of this store is to go beyond traditional tyre retail and provide customers an immersive experience of the brand, of our dealer partners and of the technological prowess of our tyre solutions that are safe and sustainable. Nashik, a key hub with growing premium vehicle ownership, is the first of many such centres that will further strengthen our footprint in the western region while providing state-of-the-art experience and services to evolving customers.”

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Radar Tyres, the flagship brand of Omni United, has appointed Sami Jauhojärvi, Olympic gold medallist and one of Finland’s most celebrated cross-country skiers, as its official brand ambassador.

Jauhojärvi's sporting excellence – built on resilience, performance and a profound connection with nature – mirrors Radar Tyres' commitment to delivering premium-quality tyres across all seasons and terrains at accessible prices. The brand's comprehensive range includes Summer, All Season, Winter and specialist Ice tyres, designed to meet diverse driving needs with reliable performance.

This collaboration represents a strategic alignment as Radar Tyres expands its European and UK presence. Jauhojärvi will serve as brand ambassador, featuring in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives and local events while sharing his expertise to support Radar Tyres' mission of making high-performance tyres available to all drivers.

G S Sareen, Founder and CEO of Omni United, said, “We’re excited to welcome Sami to the Radar family. Sami’s authenticity, credibility and strong connection with his audience make him an ideal partner for us. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and performance – the same qualities we build into every Radar tyre. As we continue to grow our brand across Europe, partnerships like this play a key role in building deeper connections with consumers. We’re excited to build on this momentum with more such collaborations in the near future.”

Jauhojärvi said, “I am thrilled to represent Radar Tyres, a brand that has a remarkable mission to make premium quality and performance accessible to all and also has deep-rooted values of giving back to society via various initiatives it has undertaken over the years such as supporting breast cancer research. I’m sincerely surprised about the performance and silence of my Radar Tyres and happy to deliver this feedback to all the people.”

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Kenda Tires is celebrating Dan ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Vanden Heuvel's nomination to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame's Class of 2025, recognising his legendary 49-year career as both a champion racer and community leader.

Since entering his first race at age 15 in 1977 at Crandon International Raceway, Vanden Heuvel has become one of off-road racing's most respected figures. His aggressive driving style earned him 20+ Pro-Class wins, five Crandon World Championships and a PRO-2 title. As owner of Flying Dutchman Racing, he mentored numerous drivers including his son Mikey, who secured Kenda Tires' historic first PRO-2 victory.

Beyond competition, Vanden Heuvel's greatest impact comes from his tireless community work. He co-founded the Midwest Off-Road Racing Association, created the Short Course Kart Series for young racers and established the MORR Injured Driver Fund with his wife Nancy. His hands-on approach – from building tracks to mentoring drivers – has shaped generations of off-road enthusiasts.

Now as Kenda Tires' Product Display Manager, Vanden Heuvel continues supporting the sport, assisting drivers across multiple series while representing Kenda at events nationwide. His dedication embodies the brand's values of community and passion for motorsports.

The formal induction ceremony will be held on 2 November 2025 in Las Vegas. This honour celebrates not just Vanden Heuvel's remarkable racing achievements but his enduring legacy as an ambassador who has profoundly influenced off-road culture.

Brandon Stotsenburg, VP of Automotive Division, Kenda Tires USA, said, “Dan is more than a legend – he is a mentor, a servant-leader and the beating heart of the off-road community. He helped deliver Kenda’s first PRO championship and still shows up for others every single weekend. We are honoured to have him represent Kenda and even more proud to call him family.”

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