We often urge motoryclists to adopt safety measures while riding. But not much is discussed about the safety measures pillion riders should adopt. It is hard to predict the conditions one will encounter when riding. If you are a pillion rider, you must observe some important safety tips to ensure that nothing untoward happens and you experience a joyful ride.
Over here, you can learn about five proven tips for safe pillion riding. Remember, the motorcycle should always be covered under comprehensive two-wheeler vehicle insurance so that expenses caused by an accident are taken care of.
5 Vital Safety Tips for Motorcycle Pillion Riders
1. Avoid Unsafe and Unwanted Movement
The pillion rider shouldn’t move unnecessarily as this can distract the biker. A safe ride depends on the biker’s skill to perfectly balance the motorcycle on both wheels. Any abrupt movement on the pillion rider’s part can disturb the concentration of the biker and throw him off guard.
As a pillion, you must follow these safety protocols primarily:
- Don’t move restlessly or nervously in the back seat.
- Convey anything to the rider through vocal communication and not by nudging.
- Never make a major arbitrary movement that can make the bike turn off the straight course.
- Refrain from tickling or digging into the ribs of the rider.
- If nervous, clasp the rider tightly around the belly at the start of the ride.
- Try to stay awake, as dozing off can make your head put extra pressure on the rider’s back.
- Don’t play loud music and never swing your arms gayly.
Children as pillion riders are particularly vulnerable. You must tell the child about the safety norms to follow while riding. Also, your bike's speed should be average when small children travel with you as a pillion.
2. Equip Yourself with Quality Protective Gear
Never venture out on a bike without wearing proper protective gear, even for a short distance. The recommended types of safety gear include:
- Helmet with ISI certification that can withstand heavy impact on the head.
- Goggles that protect the eyes from intense sun rays, dirt and grit.
- High-quality windcheater or jacket, preferably of leather material.
- Closely fitting boots.
- Comfortably fitting hand gloves with soft padding over fingers.
- Waterproof riding pants of superior quality textile.
- Warm thermal during winter or foggy days.
For long-distance rides, the aforementioned gear is compulsory. If you are riding for short distances or doing daily chores, try to protect yourself with optimum gear.
3. Learn About Proven Measures for Safe Riding
Most of us are unaware of safety measures that they should follow, as pillion riders, to remain unharmed even in tough riding conditions. Paying attention to them can go a long way in making your journey safe and enjoyable.
Some of the important aspects of safe pillion riding are shown below.
- Never lean on the rider’s shoulders to whisper in his ears.
- When the biker is angling the motorcycle along a turn, refrain from leaning in the opposite direction.
- Always ride the bike from the opposite side of the muffler and put your feet on the passenger pegs.
- Never hold on to the clothes of the rider.
- Communicate with the biker via hand signals or Bluetooth if the noise of the engine or wind makes your voice inaudible.
- Refrain from leaning backwards as this causes your weight to shift in the rear direction, which makes negotiating sharp turns or accelerating difficult for the biker.
- Always keep your feet off the exhaust pipe as its heat can make you move suddenly.
- When moving across bumpers or potholes on the road, stay relaxed on the seat.
- Never stand upright on a moving bike, putting your entire weight on the pegs.
- Don’t swing your legs freely while the bike is in motion.
- Before dismounting from the bike, wait for the signal of the biker.
4. Discuss with the Biker at Length Before the Ride
If you are not confident about the biker's skills, you should talk to him before the journey. Some key points that you can talk about include:
- The biker’s ability to handle the extra weight you put on the bike.
- The condition of brakes, i.e. if you can apply the same smoothly during situations that require sudden stopping.
- The capability of the bike’s suspension to bear the added weight without giving in midway.
- The bike insurance coverage of the motorcycle.
5. Actively Monitor the Road Ahead
While riding, keep your gaze fixed on the road in front. Put yourself in the shoes of the rider. Position your head along the inside region of the biker’s head while negotiating a curve or corner. This shall help you spontaneously lean along with the turn.
Conclusion
The motorcycle tips discussed here can increase your safety significantly while embarking on a wonderful journey as a pillion rider. Observe proven ways of safe pillion riding and reach your destination joyfully.
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