How to Ride your Motorcycle Safely on Busy Indian Roads?

Maintain an Optimal Speed

There is a speed limit for every two-wheeler and there is a reason behind it- your safety. So, when you are driving on a highway or main roads, follow the speed limit that is mentioned on the signboard. Make sure to stay within that limit to avoid risks. Use your common sense and decide on your motorcycle speed.

You can ride on the top-recommended speed if it’s a wide or empty road, but if it’s a narrow road you should limit your speed to avoid any accident. Most importantly, slower down your pace in case there are too many bends and turns, or any blind spots. The thumb rule is to ride at a speed in which you have a control on your bike or motorcycle and it does not overturn. To get cover for any accidental damage, make sure that your bike insured. You can buy a comprehensive insurance policy, and compare bike insurance online on our site and choose the most suitable one.

Do not Fall for Distractions

When you are driving a motorcycle it requires you to stay cautious every second. A lot of things can distract you on the road, like a superbike crossing you, an accident, or anything really worth watching then it is better to stop and then pay attention to it. Do not turn your head sideways or look anywhere else as it can be highly dangerous.

Restrain from taking any phone calls and if it is an urgent call or you need to be frequently on calls then you can get helmets with Bluetooth and built-in mic and earphones to answer your calls.

Check in all the Directions

So, when you are driving on a straight road, or driving slowly on a full traffic street and enjoying the lean angles, you can check in all the direction for any hazard that may arise. It can be anything a vehicle or person coming in front of your vehicle or crossing road or a bike coming from back that you cannot see in the rear view mirror. If you keep an eye in all the directions frequently while riding, from left to right as most of the people overtake from the left side, this is the lane where most of the traffic is and everyone is in a hurry and in speed.

Once you have checked the left side of the road, check the other sides following a clockwise pattern and to check the situations behind you, use the rearview mirror instead of turning your head between 90 to 180 degrees.

Stay in a Single Direction When the Traffic is Slow

While driving if you feel that the traffic ahead of you is slowing down then you need to decrease your pace. What you can do is stay either on the left or right side of the motor vehicle moving ahead of you. This helps you to take a quick escape in the available gap.

Try to maintain your pace with the moving traffic and do not over speed. In case the traffic is stationary keep your eyes on the mirror, feet on the brake and gear levers, your hands on the palm grips of handlebar, and be ready to clutch-in. This will allow you to quick start whenever the traffic is in motion.

Keep a 2-4 Second Following Distance

One of the most important and useful ways of avoiding a traffic collision or accident is to maintain a proper distance with the vehicle moving behind or in front of you. In case either of the vehicles stop, the other one has a gap to cover up. When driving in the daylight you need to keep a minimum distance of 2-4 seconds on the road, and 4 to 6 seconds when you are driving at the night time.

In this manner, you can study the dynamic movements of the vehicle in front of you and behind you. And you can make it fun as well, in order to study the distance-time relationship, pick up a noticeable tree or signboard, watch the car or bike or truck moving ahead of that signboard and then count the number of seconds it takes to cross that point. And the number of seconds it takes is the distance that you need to maintain

Drive-in Open Zones

It can get too tedious to ride in narrow roads where the vehicles are stacked in traffic and there is hardly any gap between the two vehicles. So, what you can do it find the open areas in the traffic, and quickly brisk your bike in the gap. In this manner, you can make the most of gap and space available and use the additional room to make the most of the speed and power of your bike. Keep your bike in motion when on the roads to avoid getting hit by any other vehicle.

Drive with a Great Attitude

We all like to drive our motorcycle without any boundations, at the same time it is our responsibility to drive carefully and set the right benchmark for others on the road. Make sure that you follow all the traffic rules and regulations, speed limits everywhere. It will keep a good driving record for you and you can avail No-claim-bonus on your bike insurance for driving safely and not filing a claim.

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet has prevented motorcycle deaths by 37% and brain injuries by 67%. It is one of the safest and easiest ways of reducing the impact of bike injuries. Therefore it is imperative to wear a properly fitted, high quality, helmet whenever you ride your bike. Make sure that your pillion rider is also wearing a helmet.

Do not Jump the Red Light

Jumping the red light is quite common in India. You have to abide by the laws and follow the traffic rules. It’s good to be patient when driving. Do not honk while waiting on the red light, and if there is yellow light wait, and only cross when the traffic signal turns green. Jumping a red light can be dangerous for you as well as the other riders. Remember, jumping a red light won’t get your any medals, but if you follow the rules, you can save your life and the life of others on the road.

Long Story Short

Do not take any unnecessary risks. Do not ride at night, or in rain, or on rugged terrain if you are not an experienced rider. Drive only in places where you feel comfortable. Make sure that you take care of your safety and those around you.