Should I or Should I not???

I was reading this article about quality written by one of my friends. You can find the article at http://eaglezview.blogspot.com/2007/02/made-in-india-is-it-of-good-quality.html. I am and am sure a lot of people will agree with the fact that one doesn’t hesitate to pay that much extra for quality, be it a mp3 player or ‘quality’ of service at the so called star restaurants.

I was just wondering, I am ready to pay for quality which stems from the brand name, but should I pay for safety. Safety is something that has to be a part of any product or service offered at the same cost.

A very simple example is that of an automobile. OEM’s charge extra for airbags, ABS, sensors, etc, etc. All these safety features are standard fitments of cars in the D Segment (Read Laura, C Class and above, Mondeo, Scoda Superb). Till some time back, rear seat belts were also not available on the base variants until they were made mandatory.

I wonder why these features are monetized. I understand that the average Indian gives more emphasis to fuel economy and price, but still aren’t we entitled for better things in life. Why are we the dumping ground? I love Honda for introducing the same variant all over the world. Of course, cars are tailor made to suit the local conditions, but still over all they are the same. Unlike a few other car makers who sell outdated cars in India.

I am still trying to figure out any other product or service where I pay for the safety…not quite been able to though, but am sure there exists many such products!!!

I am sure about one thing though, you pay dearly if you don't wear a helmet!! Now that is one aspect of safety I don’t mind paying for...

Anyways, so….should I or should I not????