Motorcycle safety tips for riding in traffic

Riding on our cities’ chaotic roads can be quite a harrowing experience.  With India reported to have the highest number of road fatalities in the world, staying safe on the road becomes that much more imperative. There are a quite a few checks that one should always consider before and after one gets on to the two-wheeler and zooms off. When riding a motorcycle or a two-wheeler for that matter, there is nothing that can be taken for granted at all. Here are quick pointers to riding safely on our roads

Stay in the right gear

Always keep the power handy by staying in the right gear, especially when making an overtaking manoeuvre. Do not wait for the power to build up gradually in order to complete overtaking. A passing move should be swift and snappy, spending as less time as possible in the overtaking lane. Remember to be in the right gear and modulate the power with the clutch depending on traffic conditions. Staying in the lower or higher gear will not provide you the right amount of power required to pass the vehicle. Staying in the correct gear allows you control over the situation and assures a safe passing manoeuvre.

Brakes

A good reaction time goes a long way in avoiding panic under emergency situations. When dealing with traffic, it is always best to be prepared to act quickly. Keep the brake lever covered with a finger or two at any given time. Also, keep the right foot placed gently over the brake pedal without the pedal being depressed at all times as doing so will drastically hamper the vehicle’s fuel efficiency as well as the wear out the braking components severely.

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Mirrors

Get into the habit of glancing at the rear-view mirrors to get an idea of what is happening behind you. However, they don't tell the full story. So do throw an occasional glance over the shoulder to cover the blind spots and be sure about you surroundings especially when pulling out of changing lanes or taking a turn.

Hazards

Sudden hazards are one of the key reasons which lead to mishaps on our roads. Stay alert and on the lookout for any change in the behaviour of fellow road users. Even if it is your daily route, a lot can change overnight so always be aware. Take nothing for granted. A surety check will guarantee safety to a huge extent. Authorities often choose to do road work during night time, hence be extra careful when travelling at night. Even if marked, some hazards can go missed if you are not alert and attentive enough when on the road.

Traffic

Communication with fellow riders/drivers is a priority on our roads as there are scores of mobile phone users who don't pay heed to their surroundings. Make eye contact with them to let them know of your presence. See and be seen, always. Traffic behaviour and tendencies vary from town to town and also through the day and night. So correctly gauge the behaviour of fellow road users and make necessary amendments. Even though it can get really irritating on several occasions when riding, keep the road-rage at home and keep the roads safe.