Riding Safety: riding a bike or scooter was one of the leading causes of death in traffic accidents in 2019 (almost one-third, or 37%), according to statistics issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in 2020. To protect your safety and the safety of others, it is crucial to adhere to the RTO laws and regulations for two-wheelers and to adult bike safety advice while riding a bike.
Riding Safety: A Beginner's Guide
1. Purchase a helmet
Make sure you are wearing a helmet if you are out for a bike ride. But wearing or buying a helmet does not mean you have to buy a cheap helmet only to stay out of trouble in the town square. Ensure that the helmet you buy is of the highest caliber and has an ISI certification. Verify if the helmet features a plastic shield to protect your jaw and eyes in addition to a complete face shield. Pillion riders are likewise required by the traffic regulations for two-wheelers to wear helmets.
2. Steer clear of adverse weather
While some people find riding in the rain to be fun, it may also be rather hazardous. It is typically not advised to ride your bike on the highway in foggy or wet conditions since there is very little visibility on the road. Furthermore, abruptly using the brakes might cause the bike's tires to slide, which could cause a serious collision. So keep this in mind the next time you wish to drive under a severe weather scenario.
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3. Ride what you can manage
The first piece of advise given when discussing adult bicycle safety guidelines or female two-wheeler driving advice is to choose a bike that fits you. Invest in a bike that you can easily handle and ride rather to one that is mostly for show. Manufacturers of two-wheelers now provide a large selection of stylish motorbikes and scooters. It is thus no longer difficult to locate anything that meets your needs.
4. Make yourself known
Make sure you are visible to other drivers while you are riding on the highway, particularly at night or in foggy conditions. Consider covering your helmet with a reflective band in a bright or neon color to increase your safety at night. You may also choose to have a fluorescent belt on both sides of your two-wheeler. Reflective bands increase your visibility to other drivers, especially those operating cars and trucks, ensuring a safe and secure journey.
5. Safety gear is essential.
Unpredictability characterizes accidents. You never know when someone may ride their bike carelessly or get distracted and crash into your bike. Wearing protective gear is thus a typical bike safety recommendation for adults, particularly if you are riding on a highway or a hilly route. You need to purchase certain safety equipment, such as elbow guards, leather hand gloves, and coats.
6. Get both you and your bike insured
The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 states that if your bike is not insured, you are not allowed to use it on public roads. Riding a bike in India requires having third-party liability coverage at the very least. But, you need have comprehensive bike insurance that covers both own-damage and third-party liability in order to guarantee total safety. You may get a personal accident policy in addition to your bike insurance to safeguard your family in the tragic event of your death and to guard against rising medical expenses.
7. Observe the driving laws
You must abide by the traffic laws in India for two-wheelers while operating a vehicle on public highways. A few fundamental guidelines include keeping your distance from other cars, obeying traffic signals, not riding your bike too fast, and exercising restraint while under the influence of alcohol.
8. Upkeep for your bicycle
It's wise to see whether your bike needs maintenance or repairs before riding it on dirt roads. Check the bike tires for any potential cuts or scuffs. Additionally, inspect the air filter and engine oil and replace them as needed. If your bike has been in the garage for more than a few months, take it to the mechanic to have the brakes, engine, and batteries checked out. Wait until the qualified technician is pleased with your bike's operational state before going for a ride.
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9. Be cautious at intersections and turns
Blind curves are where most accidents on hilly roads occur, and similarly for highways that pass through densely populated settlements. During the wet season, braking quickly while making a turn might throw you off balance and result in a severe collision. Thus, if you ride a bike on a public road, take it slowly while turning or merging.
10.Keep your distance
All drivers must abide by this rule, but motorcyclists in particular need to be aware of how close they are to the large cars around them. On the roadways, stay away from passing automobiles and trucks. Hold off until they grant you a pass. When a large car is coming at you from behind, reduce your speed to provide them enough space to overtake you safely and swiftly. Additionally, while riding, maintain a safe distance from other bikes and automobiles.
Now that you know the standard adult bike safety advice, let's go on and discuss the necessary RTO laws and rules that you have to follow religiously while riding on Indian roads.
RTO Guidelines and Policies Regarding Two-Wheelers
- Ride your bike without being fined or sent in jail by according to these RTO two-wheeler laws and regulations.
- When riding a bike, you and your passenger should always wear helmets.
- When riding a bike, make sure your indicators are in good working order and utilize them as required.
- There is a fine for riding a bike without a rearview mirror.
- According to India's two-wheeler traffic regulations, using a phone while riding is prohibited. You may use it for navigating, however.
- It is not permitted to ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- It is required to carry a PUC certificate, an RC document, an insurance paper, and a physical or digital driver's license.
To Sum Up
In the same way that you consider a number of factors when buying a two-wheeler, it's crucial to go by adult bike safety advice when you take your bike out of the showroom and ride it around Indian roads. When riding, abide by the top 10 motorcycle safety recommendations listed above and always remember that it's better to be safe than sorry.