Tips for Two-Wheeler Safety

Two-wheelers are the most popular form of transport in India as they are very economical and good for navigating through dense Indian traffic. However, two-wheelers and bikes are also prone to accidents, much more than any other form of transport. People driving two-wheelers need to be extra careful to avoid accidents. We have compiled a list of bike and two-wheeler safety tips that you should follow to ensure you do not get into any mishaps.

• Always Wear a Helmet: The most important two-wheeler safety tip is to wear a helmet whenever you are driving, even for a short ride. The traffic laws have also made it mandatory for two-wheeler owners to wear helmets while driving. A brain injury can make you paralysed or worse, put you in a vegetative state. In the case of a fall or accident, a helmet will protect the most important part of your body, your head from getting injured.

• Keep a Safe Distance From Other Vehicles: Do not drive or stop close to other vehicles and always ensure that you maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Don’t change lanes after every mile and keep your distance while overtaking other vehicles on the road. Never attempt to cut ahead when there is a very small space between two vehicles. Keeping a safe distance will ensure you will have time to react and stop your vehicle in the case of any mishap.

• Be Careful of Damaged Roads: Rural roads in India, especially in the monsoon season, are unkempt and often have a lot of potholes. You should be driving slowly and extra carefully on a road with many potholes as there are chances of hitting a pothole and falling.

• Follow Traffic Rules: Traffic rules are made to protect drivers and vehicles from getting into accidents. Make sure you are aware of all the traffic laws of your state/city and follow them strictly to reduce your chances of getting into an accident.

• Drive at a Safe Speed: Many bike enthusiasts who own expensive sports bikes like to drive at dangerously fast speeds on city roads. However, driving at fast speeds on crowded city roads is a recipe for disaster and accidents. Make sure you are following the speed limits of your area and drive at a steady speed to avoid any collisions.

• Go Through a Bike Safety Course: If you are new at riding bikes, it is a good idea to attend a bike safety course that will teach you all about safe driving practices.

• Wear Reflective Clothing: If you are driving through a remote location where there are minimal lights, people may not be able to see you from a distance. In such a situation, you should wear a reflective jacket for other drivers to see you even in the dark. This can help you avoid accidents.

• Maintain Your Bike: You should make sure that your bike and all its parts are functioning properly before you head out for a ride. A good idea is to take your bike for servicing every few months and get everything tuned up to perfection. A bike with loose brakes or engine problems can be a cause of accidents. Hence, make sure your bike is always in top shape.

• Be Aware of the Weather Conditions: Any adverse weather conditions like heavy rains can ruin your driving experience. For bikers, it’s even more dangerous as the visibility is low. Hence, before you head out to travel distances, check the weather conditions and be prepared.

• Wear Motorcycle Gear: Appropriate riding gear includes riding jackets, goggles, gloves, helmet and riding pants. Riding gear is made with the intent to protect the rider from injuries, so even if you get into an accident, your injuries would be minimal.

While third-party bike insurance is mandatory for vehicle owners in India, comprehensive bike insurance can provide an advanced level of protection to you and your bike. A comprehensive insurance cover with additional riders like the accidental cover, own damage cover, etc, can be highly effective at mitigating repair or medical-related expenses. Repairing bikes and two-wheelers in the case of an accident can cost you a lot. A comprehensive bike insurance plan will save you a significant amount of money on these costs.

Following the above-given safety tips while driving a two-wheeler or a bike will ensure you do not get into accidents. However, you cannot predict the behaviour of other drivers even if you drive perfectly. Comprehensive bike insurance is an important tool to get coverage against unexpected accidents and vehicle damage. You can check out the various bike insurance plans available at Bajaj Markets and choose a plan that fits your needs.