Driving a motorcycle is unquestionably not for everyone. Riding any two-wheeler between cars and heavy trucks at high speed requires far more precision than most riders acknowledge. You must be competent and able to respond promptly to the activities of others, even when they are not ready for it.
10 Tips to Ride Safely When Navigating Heavy Traffic
1. Stay Focused While Riding
Always keep your mind and eyes open when you're on the road. Lack of concentration can result in dreadful mistakes like missing speed limits or wrong turns. It's vital to keep yourself mentally relaxed and focused.
2. Never Stand in the Way of a Rider or a Divider
We ride north on the left side of the road in India. It's important to avoid squeezing yourself between the cyclist and the street divider when overtaking. Riding to the left of the cyclist in front of you is advisable when they make a U-turn to go in the opposite direction.
3. Put Your Hands on the Brakes
When surrounded by traffic, you don't always know when a vehicle will come to a halt in front of you. You may slam into the back of a car or a bike's rear mudguard. To avoid this, you should work on your braking technique. In today's traffic, you need frequent braking; therefore, keep your finger close to the front and your foot over the back brake lever of the motorcycle. It may help you make a quick stop if a driver on his cell phone appears in the middle of your path and obstructs your route.
4. Be Ready with the Power
You must know your motorcycle's horsepower and pulling capabilities as a rider. During slow-moving traffic, it's best to keep your bike in the lowest ratio to maximise its power and torque output. Enough power at the bottom end makes it possible to manoeuvre through traffic smoothly while letting onlookers hear the engine revving.
5. Keep an Eye on Your Rear View Mirror
It is usually not easy to monitor everything around us in a single step. Rear view mirrors are handy as they help you see the vehicles behind you. Checking your reflection in these mirrors every ten to fifteen seconds will help you finetune your riding techniques. In addition, the mirrors' placement should be precise to provide the broadest possible vision behind you.
6. Keep a Distance Between You and the Vehicles Around
Driving at the proper distance from the vehicle ahead is essential, as an accident could occur. When driving during the day, you should leave at least two to four seconds between you and the car ahead. At night, visibility is lower; you should leave at least four to six seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you. It is the best way to learn about the vehicle's movements.
7. Keep Control of Your Speed
Exceeding speed is the cause of several damages, so be prepared to slow down when necessary. When traffic begins to move, you may be tempted to speed up to cover maximum distance. However, this may cause you to bang into the vehicle in front of you, should they come to a sudden halt. A steady speed will help you better control your motorcycle.
8. Consider Taking an Automobile Safety Course
Even seasoned riders can revert to poor or sluggish habits. Safety lessons can help you "give an edge to" your riding proficiency.
9. Figure Out Your Route
If you commute daily, choose the best path and learn about all the obstacles on your way. Evaluate traffic habits, such as which lanes stir promptly, where jams arise, and what probable hazards prevail. If you are in the correct lane, when it's time to twirl or merge, you will not have to make a hazardous last-minute manoeuvre, as you know the route.
10. Adhere to Traffic Regulations
As a road rider, you must adhere to all traffic regulations precisely. Many accidents happen simply because people are careless and do not obey traffic rules. Along with observing traffic legislation, be conscious of pedestrians crossing the street.
Some Essential and Beneficial Gadgets for Riders
Apart from these tips, some requisites are available for every rider's safety:
- Helmets are a hard kind of hat that one wears to protect the head from accidental injuries.
- Insurance is a measure to regulate risk from the expected losses. It plays an important role in the safety and security of the rider. So, you must compare two-wheeler insurance policies and pick the one that covers you the maximum and charges affordable premiums.
Conclusion
The most common drawback of having and riding a bike is road accidents and weather exposure, but driving with caution can help avoid any calamities. Complete a thorough check of your bike and have all the required gear before starting your riding excursion, including bike insurance. Paytm Insurance can help you get the best insurance plan for your two-wheeler as you can compare the different policies offered by various bike insurance companies.
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