safe two wheeler driving

8/12/2019 Safe Two Wheeler Driving

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TWO-WHEELERS

The two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, etc.)are a different breed of motor-vehicles entirely. Theyhave only two wheels and demand better co-ordinationand balance. They present a smaller silhouette and areseverely affected by adverse weather. As a two-wheelersrider, you are the most vulnerable road user, barring thepedestrian. Therefore, you require special skills and

knowledge; even superior to those for driving a car.


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Low VisibilityDue to its small size, a motorcycle is generallynot as visible as other motor vehicles on theroad, especially in bad weather conditions.

High incidents of head injuriesIn the event of an accident, the riders are prone

to head injuries.

Inadequate eye-protection

Strong breeze, insects or dust can cause suddentemporary blindness, leading to loss of controlover the vehicle.

wear clearly visible clothing. For night riding,wear clothes with reflective material attached.Drive with headlights on even in very slightlyadverse road/weather conditions for attractingattention.

Always wear a helmet, preferably of brightcolour. Affix reflective tapes on the helmet.Protective clothing like heavy jackets, gloves,strong leather boots provide added protectionagainst serious injuries.

Wear helmet visors, goggles or spectacles to

protect the eyes.

Vulnerability Protection


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Special Driving Techniques :Though the general safety rules are the same for all vehicles. 2-wheelersriders need to learn special handling techniques to safeguard against the three main cause of accidentsviz. braking, skidding and cornering.

Cornering Never negotiate a corner too fast. Reducespeed before entering the turn.

The term cornering means the riding of a

motorcycle around a corner or bend. Sincethe motorcycle does not have a steering Shift into the correct gear in advance.wheel, the driver has to lean it in the directionof the turn. The sharper the turn, and the faster Maintain a constant speed during the turn.the speed, the more you must lean for bettercontrol.

BrakingA motorcycle has two brakes and bothare needed for effective braking. Thefront brake is more important andprovide for about 70 percent of thebraking power.

Use both brakes every time. If you use only the rearbrake normally. You may not have enough skill to usethe front brake properly in an emergency.

Apply both brakes at the same time. It is incorrect tobelieve that the rear brake should be applied first.

The front brake should be used with special care.Squeezing the lever too hard may result in a front-wheel

lock, causing a skid especially on a wet surface.


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EMERGENCIESSkidding is a frightening experience on a motorcycle, but can be handled with

skill and experience. Over one-third of all motorcycle accidents are attributed to

loss of control due to skidding. It occurs as a result of excessive speed and poor

judgment while

cornering

avoiding pedestrians, animals etc.

negotiating a slippery or sandy stretch of road.

Never position yourself in the blind spot of the driver ahead.

Do not squeeze between two lanes or weave through traffic.Do not ride too close to the vehicle in front. You need a much

longer distance to stop than the larger vehicles.


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Always shift to a lower gear while slowing down. It provides a good grip and easybraking.

Steer into the direction of the skid.

If a skid occurs due to over braking, get the wheels rolling by easing off the brakes.

Reduce the power (throttle) to avoid wheel-spin.

Bring the motorcycle into an upright position, hold the handle firmly and concentrateon steering.

When the vehicle comes under control, the throttle or brake can be reapplied, ifrequired, but to a lesser degree.

The foot may be used to straighten up, bur only in a mild low-speed skid.

CAUTION :Avoid applying brakes while cornering. It you most, then use bothbrakes gently and gradually.


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Sudden braking: Sometimes, situations arise that compel the rider to stop the vehicle in theshortest possible time. Use both brakes together to their maximum. Keep the motorcycle upright, traveling straight ahead.

Do not let the front wheel lock. Ease off the pressure on the front brake, if required. Do not release the rear brake even if the vehicle skids.

Tyre blow-out: A tyre blow-out, especially at high speed, needs instant and carefulhandling. Do not use brakes. Close throttle.

Hold the handlebar firmly and maintain balance as the vehicle slows down gradually.

Wobble: The front wheel can suddenly start wobbling at high speeds due to mechanicalfailure or wheel imbalance. Firmly grip the handlebar. Close throttle and slow down.

Do not apply brakes till the wobble is under control.

Stuck throttle: The throttle may get stuck due to a faulty cable or mechanical failure. Press the clutch to disengage the engine. Apply both brakes together gently. Turn off the ignition switch.


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Crossing poor road surface.Poor road surfaces are those that affect the motorcycles road grip and consequently itsbalance. Such dangerous surfaces include :

Slippery surface (oil, water, gravel, sand, mud account for slippery surfaces). Reduce speed. Shift to lower gear. Do not change directions abruptly. Hold the handle firmly and keep your body straight. Do not apply brakes on the slippery patch. Do not accelerate until you have cleared the hazard.

Uneven surface (potholes, sloping surfaces, unpaved roads fall in this category). Rise slightly on the footrest and support your weight on your knees and elbows to absorb

the shock while passing over uneven surfaces.

Strong wind: Strong gusty winds or gales can cause emergency situations, particularly onhighways. Ensure eye protection.

Grip the handlebar firmly. Move the motorcycle towards the upwind side to avoid being swept off the road. Bring your motorcycle to a gradual halt and stop off the main carriageway.

It is a dangerous practice to have children sitting on motorcycle

Fuel tanks or standing in front of the driver on scooters.


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Defensive Driving: The paramount rule of defensive driving is to-be-seen:Most fatal motorcycle accidents are due to collision with larger vehicles whosedrivers, in most cases, do not see the motorcycles. As a motorcycles, it is in yourinterest to be attentive and careful on the road. A good rider always positionshimself correctly, so that he is seen and is able to obtain the best possible viewof the road ahead. The ability to see and be seen is further reduced inadverse weather conditions and at night.

Riding in the rain:

Wear proper raingear. Bright colour raincoats and water-proof gloves andboots are advisable for better grip on brake, clutch and gearshift lever.

Drive with headlights on. Protect your eyes. If rain blurs your vision, slow down or stop till rain abates.

Very light drizzle or the first few drops of rain mix with dirt and oil to formdangerously slippery surface on paved roads. Painted road surfaces are alsoslippery when wet.

C UTION


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Use high beam.

Ride slower.

Keep increased distance from other vehicles.

Avoid overtaking.

While following a vehicle, use its tail-lights and headlights to youradvantage in judging the conditions ahead. But, do not go tooclose to the vehicle in front.

Night Riding


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The best thing to make the motorcycle visible is to keep headlights onat all times. Studies have shown that motorcycles become upto one anda half times more noticeable to the oncoming traffic when the headlightsare turned on during the day.

The first motorcycle was invented in 1885 by

Gottlieb Daimler of Germany, by attaching afour-stroke engine to a wooden

bicycle frame.

And the latest is the Bubble-Bike.The unbreakable polycarbonatebubble keeps the driver warm andsafe from rain and wind, renderinghelmets and weather-proof clothingredundant, according to its inventor Gordon Sparshatt.

safe two wheeler driving

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