Stay Safe on the Road: Driving Tips For Riding Two Wheelers

• Get quotes from multiple insurers
• Cashless garages available
• Buy/renew your policy online without hassles

Apply Now

In the last financial year, companies have sold over 14 million bikes across the country. Because for Indian roads, two wheeler is the most convenient mode of transport and it is a popular choice too. It is a popular mode of transport in India because it’s small, sleek, maintainable by anyone and most importantly affordable by everyone. People love traveling in bikes, mopeds for a road trip or nearby places on the weekend to enjoy the ride.

If you are a citizen of a metropolitan city like Bangalore, you already know what we are talking about. Traveling by bike is easy for sure, because you can tackle the traffic conveniently but because of the road conditions and almost no traffic sense population in the country, the number of accidents have increased drastically in the last few years. There are a number of factors responsible for the rise in percentage.

For example: Not wearing the helmet, over speeding, lane discipline, driving in wrong direction to avoid taking U-turn, driving with more than one pillion rider, bike stunts on main roads, not following traffic signals, etc.

It is important to know how to drive safely in a two wheeler vehicle as it is the most vulnerable vehicle prone to accidents:

• First thing is to look after is your 2 wheeler. Make sure that all mechanical aspects of your 2 wheeler is in right condition as it is the number one priority. Service your bike regularly and check for braking, tire pressure, horn, clutch, head lights, tail lights, gear, tier condition, engine oil, fuel level, etc. If you are traveling on two wheeler for a long ride make sure to carry a tool kit and first aid kit with you to be on the safer side.
• Make sure to heat your engine by starting your motorcycle first thing in the morning before you start traveling. This will help you in smooth driving experience as the engine will be right temperature to give the smooth driving experience.
• Be alert while driving in small roads, main roads and on highway especially in rural areas. There will be a cross roads, buses, Lorries, etc. in these kind of areas, people will be driving from everywhere and not to forget the stray animals.
• Keep an eye on the sign boards on roadsides and know what that sign indicates. There is speed brakes, no free-left, one way, deviations, school area, stop signal, potholes, railway crossing, etc. These signs are necessary for riders to understand what is coming next in your way. This helps you control your speed and make the necessary decisions to avoid accidents.
• Always wear a helmet and if you are traveling with a passenger, then they should wear a helmet too. Protect your jaw by tying the strap. Buy a helmet that has a plastic case to cover your face so you can be safe from dust, wind, insects hitting your eye etc. Remember, you are wearing helmet for your safety not to save yourself from paying fines.
• Potholes have increased very much because of the poor maintanence from our government. During monsoon, because there is water everywhere the potholes may not be visible. Drive carefully looking for the barricades because it means there is a pothole or work-in-progress.
• Never ride your vehicle while talking on a cell-phone. It is the most dangerous thing and you may be fine for it too. It distracts your concentration and driving.
• During monsoon, always carry a raincoat or leather jackets, a pair of gloves, waterproof rain cover for your shoes with a good grip and a waterproof cover for your shoulder bags.
• Stick reflective bands on your helmet, both the side of the bike and at the back of your vehicle to make yourself visible for the vehicles behind you and traveling from the opposite direction. These stickers are very important if you are traveling at night.
• If your vehicle does not have mirrors on both the sides, install them immediately. It makes your driving easy.
• Follow all the traffic rules because this one is not meant to be broken. Do not take a turn immediately without indicating your intentions.
• If you wish to apply brakes, judge the distance first. Bikes do not come with power brake like in cars. If you apply sudden brake, it may not work and someone may get hurt.
• Carry all documents related to your two wheeler including your driver's license all the time.
• Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is vital. Never weave in and out of traffic and end up on the right lane. Only the left lane is for two wheelers. While overtaking a moving vehicle, keep safe distance and alert them with an indicator before you do so.
• Never ride between two vehicles, it is dangerous. That distance is to avoid collisions and maintaining a safe gap.
• Stop for pedestrians and animals to cross, because they too live on the same planet like we do. Be sure not to ride fast near school zones and do not overtake from the left.

If you are a part of any mishap or accident, it is not just you who suffer but your family also suffers along with you. It is important in all times to have a life insurance or a health insurance for your own safety. It is also remember to insure your bike with two wheeler insurance to over come any damages that may happen to you or the third-party. Two wheeler insurance covers third-party liability as well so if they are hurt in the mishap the insurance can take care of it.