Motorcycle Accidents Tips to Avoid Accidents (Defensive Driving) A motorcycle, by its very nature, is a dangerous machine. It cannot balance itself when stationery and can be unstable at varying speeds. There is no outer shell or a metal cage that protects a rider from an injury in the event of an accident, hence, better coordination and balance of the vehicle is critical. Defensive driving is all about not being a victim, the cause or a trigger for any accident. As a defensive driver, you should factor in the irresponsible behaviour of other road-users (three-wheelers, bus drivers and others, including pedestrians on the road.) A two-wheeler rider is the most vulnerable road-user, after the pedestrian. In case of a pillion rider, the ability of the pillion rider not to unbalance the rider is important. Special Driving Techniques are required for a two-wheeler viz. braking, cornering, skidding, etc. In the initial stages of learning, the rider/driver must cultivate the right techniques and temperament. Mistakes, which are repeated, will become habits that can prove to be very dangerous. Accidents do not happen, they are caused. In more cases than not, it is due to the result of human error. Main Causes : 1. Vehicle Condition: Lack of regular and quality maintenance of vehicles can pose many risks, as an ill-maintained vehicle may not respond to an emergency effectively. 1. High Speed Kills. Every increase of 5 kms of speed increases your chance of accident over 40 %. 2. Scan the two mirrors to ensure clarity while driving. 3. Avoid getting into arguments with other road users thereby avoiding road rage. 4. Brake early and brake gently.

5. In case of a front tyre blow-out, stop the motorcycle and push it to the side of the road. 2. Road Condition: 6. In case of rollover, switch off the ignition immediately to avoid fire. 3. Traffic Conditions: 7. In case of bad weather, drive slowly, have a longer following distance with the vehicle in front, do not change lanes without adequate intimation by way of direction indicators. Human / animal traffic, High and Low Density traffic not only adds to the stress of driving in jampacked areas but also cause road rage. Rain, fog, snow, etc. can affect the vision of the bike rider, having dangerous consequences. The balance of the two-wheeler can also be affected. Bad lighting on the roads, during the night, can affect visibility and cause mishaps. 8. In fog drive with your head lights dipped down. Do not change lanes. 9. While going uphill drive in the lower gear. Potholes, wet roads, oily roads and/or hill driving can affect the safety of the bike rider. 4. Weather Conditions: 10. While going downhill, drive in the gear you went uphill or one gear less. 5. Light Conditions:

5. Always maintain your vehicle in a good road-worthy condition. Trying to manoeuvre this during driving can be dangerous. 6. Do not cut lanes. Wearing a helmet without tightening the strap is futile and will not save you in case of a fall, (the helmet will fly off the head with the impact). The helmet must be ISI certified, light colour (will not absorb heat and is visible) and with reflective strips (for night visibility). 7. Ensure that you're very visible to other drivers by wearing bright coloured clothes. 8. When in doubt, slow down or stop. 9. Watch out for pedestrians, children running across the road, anticipate and expect the unexpected by completely focusing on your driving. 6. Your dress / attire is important. Season permitting, wear thick jacket, trouser and gloves to prevent minor abrasions. 7.Start driving with confidence and exhibit good driving attributes. Show patience- traffic jams cannot be resolved by your becoming impatient. Be considerate to pedestrians and respect other vehicles' right of way. Be a responsible and safe driver and obey all traffic rules.