10 Unavoidable Tips for Riding Your Two-Wheeler Safely in Heavy Traffic

10 Tips for Riding in Heavy Traffic Safely

Other than having an active bike insurance policy, here are 10 most essential tips you should keep in mind while riding, especially in heavy traffic:

1. Avoid Distractions: Stay Focused

   As a bike rider, you must give unwavering attention. Swaying away from seeing straight for even a fraction of a second can prove fatal for you. Also, during heavy traffic, bikers tend to get impatient because of the irregular flow of cars and make hasty decisions like lane switching.

   The last thing you need at such a time is a distraction; this prevents you from paying attention to avoidable threats. Distractions can be limited by:

   • Turning off your mobile phone.
   • No music in your earphones.
   • Not talking to anyone while riding.

2. Planning your Route Ahead: Avoid Traffic Congestion

   Proper planning can save you from heavy traffic hassles; all you need to do is to ensure a few factors before leaving. In heavy traffic, impatience might lead you into trouble. Hence, you can minimize distractions by following the below tips:

   • Do not use your mobile phone while riding
   • Check weather forecasts ahead of taking out your bike
   • Use real-time traffic apps or GPS to check traffic congestion, alternate bypass routes, ongoing road construction, etc.

3. Use Lower Gears: Enhance Controlling

   In heavy traffic, it's better to stick to a lower gear; controlling a bike in a higher gear can get cumbersome.

   Lower gears also brake quickly due to naturally occurring "engine braking."

4. Keep a Safe Distance: Improve Your Reaction Time

   Gauging the distance between you and the vehicles around you helps you avoid accidents in heavy traffic.

   You can do this by paying attention to everything around you on the road, sensing the mindset of your fellow drivers, and maintaining a distance.

   Adjust your speed accordingly; there should be safe distance between your bike and other vehicle in front, Also, it means more reaction time in case of sudden braking or an emergency.

5. Monitor your Speed: Stay Calm and Composed

   Overspeeding is the reason behind 50 per cent of road accidents, so be prepared to hold your horses where needed.

   However, heavy traffic will naturally lets you slow down your speed. Always remember that prevention is better than solution, so proceed with caution. Obstacles can come uniform; keep your eyes and ears wide open.

6. Handle Tailgating: Create Space

   Having a cushion distance between your bike and vehicles in front is considered as a good practice. This ensures accidents in case of sudden brakes and rollbacks on shifting gears. While moving to first gear with little Space behind you, give your bike more gas and slowly let out the clutch.

   This helps avoid rollbacks in case of tailgating. You can prevent tailgating by gently dropping your speed, increasing the gap in front and forcing the vehicle behind to slow down, too.

7. Signal Intentions: Use Indicators

   Lane switching without indicators has become a trend nowadays, all thanks to impatient & irresponsible riding.

   Riders are in a hurry to reach their destination and resort to rapid switching of lanes without realizing the threat they bring upon themselves and their fellow passengers.

   Avoid such stunts, keep time on your hand, and do not forget to give an indicator while changing lanes or taking turns; it helps other cars gauge your actions.

8. Wear Protective Gear: Prioritize Safety

   A big mistake many people make is spending a lot of money on buying their favourite bike but not investing in protective gear.

   You must invest in a quality protective gear. This includes:

   • ISI-certified helmet for both driver and pillion rider
   • Riding jacket
   • Boots
   • Gloves

9. Maintain Your Bike: Regular Checkups are Important

   Owning a bike requires regular service station trips, which is crucial. Ensure your beloved vehicle is regularly serviced; always check the tyre condition, suspension, air pressure, front and rear brakes, horn, and front and tail lights.

   If a bike is timely serviced & well maintained, it saves you from the risks of accidents and also increase the fuel efficiency of your motorcycle.

10. Follow Traffic Rules: Be a Responsible Rider

    As a rider on the road, adhering to traffic rules and laws is crucial for everyone's safety and helps avoid bike challans issued by traffic police. Many accidents occur because people are irresponsible and do not care about traffic rules. Alongside following traffic rules, ensure you are also considerate of the pedestrians walking on the road.

To Conclude!

Yes, two-wheelers (bikes and scooters) offer convenience, but safety should always be a priority. By following these tips and renew two-wheeler insurance policy on time, you will be able to reduce the associated risks while riding in heavy traffic. Remember, your and everyone's safety depends on riding your vehicle responsibly.