Staying safe on the roads is more crucial for motorcyclist as they are exposed to the open more than the cars.  When an accident occur with a motorcycle the fatality rate for the motorcyclist is higher than the driver, who is cushioned with the airbag and stuffs.  So how can riders ensure that they are safe on the roads even though it might not be their fault.

Here are some of the important tips which you might want to adopt to help in defensive riding and staying safe for your loved ones.

Suggestions of safety gear for riding

Sometimes bikers are not easily noticeable.  Especially if you wear dark colours and your bike is in Black or other dark colours.  Try to stick some luminous stickers on the bike especially at the rear and sides of the bike where there is no headlight.  When you are riding, do consider wearing a brighter coloured jacket.  It can help to raise your presence on the roads.  Try not to stay at the blind spots of vehicles.  As you know, bikes are already hardly visible, especially for the class four vehicles.

Almost 70% of the motorcycle accidents are at the Junctions especially the Cross Junctions where there are traffic coming from all the sides of the road.  If you are making a turn, always double check and DO NOT attempt to do a last minute turn.  It is always better to go ahead and make a turn ahead in a safer place than to risk it.  When you reach a junction, just slow down and before your start off again, be sure to check again that there are no cars around dashing for the last red light.

Be very careful if you are riding fast and want to overtake any vehicle, chances are there might be some cars which did not see you and might swerve to hit you.  Be very sure that you can overtake the vehicle properly before executing the overtaking.  Always signal early when you overtake to allow other vehicles to have ample time to react.   Do be very careful about stationary vehicles as they might suddenly pick up to move off.

4. SPEED and BRAKING

Do not speed when you are riding.  Keep to proper speed limit on the roads.  Once you start speeding, the visibility gets narrower and you might not be able to react fast for any unforeseen circumstances.  Also do not do sudden E brakes unless very necessary.  E brakes can cause the vehicle behind too late to react and hit into your bike.

5.EXTRA CAUTION at BENDS

Do check carefully when you are executing a turn or bend.  Chances are there might be some pedestrians dashing out or vehicles which cannot see you.  Ride slowly at bends and do not try to drift out.

6. PILLION SAFETY

When you are ferrying another passenger behind you, be extra careful and make sure that you keep balance and proper speed when ferrying passengers.

7. PLAN YOUR ROUTE IN ADVANCE AND THINK OF YOUR VULNERABILITY

DO note that bikes are more dangerous on the roads and also make sure you know your route well, which route to take and check the traffic situation in advance before moving off.  This is also applicable for car drivers.  Try not to get into heavy traffic situation .  Also know that riding safely means that you can reach your family and loved ones than never.

8. DO NOT DRINK OR TAKE DROWSY MEDICATION WHEN RIDING

Same goes for driving.  Alcohol and traffic do not mix.  Medication that causes drowsiness and exhaustion will also cause misjudgement when you are on the roads.

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