Why We Crash, And How We Can Prevent It

Here are some do's and don'ts that will keep you and others safe from harm's way

The weather condition at the moment isn't apt for weekend rides, but that doesn’t really stop us from heading out anyway, does it? For the people who do, here are some do's and don'ts that will keep you and others safe from harm's way.

 

Distractions -

Some of the most dangerous causes of accidents are riding under the influence of alcohol, running a red light or overspeeding. Then there are the common mistakes committed by distracted riders: Texting or attending to a call while riding diverts your attention from the road and is the top reason for fatalities on the road today. So, if you have an important call or a message that needs to be answered, we’d suggest you stop the bike on the side of the road and then do the needful.

 

Drinking and speeding -

Drinking affects your judgement, depth, perception as well as vital motor skills required to ride safely. In addition, most riders tend to overspeed, which not only puts you at risk but others as well, which can lead to a fatal accident. Is it really worth the risk? Take a cab, protect yourself as well as others on the roadways, and don’t become another drinking and driving statistic.

 

Fatigue -

Many people think fatigue only kicks in when riding long-distance, and although that is true in most cases, short distance riding is just as relevant. Long shift hours, lack of sleep, sleep apnoea and physically demanding roles take a toll on your body and which leads to fatigue. Statistics suggest that most fatigue-related accidents occur during normal sleeping hours. So get at least 7-8 hours of sleep before you head out for your rides and take frequent breaks during your journey. Also, if you’re too tired to ride home after work, get a cab or ask a loved one to come pick you up.

 

Wet roads and tyre conditions -

During rains, the roads become slippery, visibility decreases and there are high chances of you losing control of your bike in case of emergency braking. This is where having the safety net of ABS could really help as the brakes don't lock up even under hard braking. On the other hand, if your tyres aren't in the best of conditions, it could lead to a lack of grip which isn't good news either. In case of rains, ride slowly, keep your eyes on the vehicle ahead of you and maintain a safe distance. Don’t brake suddenly and last but not the least, just wait it out in case it's pouring cats and dogs.

 

Tailgating -

You’re really not impressing anyone by riding really close to the vehicle in front of you. It only hinders your vision from what's ahead of you, and eventually, could end up in a rear-ending scenario. When you tailgate a car, it reduces your time to react drastically, and that’s not good news for you or the driver in front of you. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle and always ride on the right side of the vehicle while doing so. This gives you the ability to see what's in front of you and take necessary precautions in case of an emergency.

 

Blind corners -

Many riders try to corner blindly and end up in serious head-on-collisions. Always slow down before a blind corner, honk to notify oncoming traffic and then take the corner carefully while sticking to your lane.

 

Street racing -

Racing on the streets not only puts you in danger but also everyone around you. At those speeds it’s next to impossible to control your bike when someone ahead of you decides to cross the road. Not only that, the slightest of nudges from a vehicle can send you flying into immovable objects, which isn't where you want to be. So keep racing for the track and always wear protective gear.

 

Riding in the wrong direction -

We really don't understand why people ride on the wrong side of the road. Do you actually end up saving a ton of fuel while doing so? And, is it really worth your or someone else's life? Smart people follow traffic rules and take diversions when there is one. Follow traffic rules and don’t put lives at risk!

This Story has not been edited by ABP News. It has been published through bikedekho.com feed directly.