TWO-WHEELERS

1. TWO-WHEELERS The two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, etc.) are a different breed of motor-vehicles entirely. They have only two wheels and demand better co-ordination and balance. They present a smaller silhouette and are severely affected by adverse weather. As a two-wheelers rider, you are the most vulnerable road user, barring the pedestrian. Therefore, you require special skills and knowledge; even superior to those for driving a car.

2. Low Visibility Due to its small size, a motorcycle is generally not as visible as other motor vehicles on the road, especially in bad weather conditions. High incidents of head injuries In the event of an accident, the riders are prone to head injuries. Inadequate eye-protection Strong breeze, insects or dust can cause sudden temporary blindness, leading to loss of control over the vehicle. •  wear clearly visible clothing. For night riding, • wear clothes with reflective material attached. • Drive with headlights on even in very slightly • adverse road/weather conditions for attracting • attention. • Always wear a helmet, preferably of bright colour. Affix reflective tapes on the helmet. Protective clothing like heavy jackets, gloves, strong leather boots provide added protection against serious injuries. • Wear helmet visors, goggles or spectacles to protect the eyes. Vulnerability Protection

3. Use both brakes every time. If you use only the rear brake normally. You may not have enough skill to use the front brake properly in an emergency. • Apply both brakes at the same time. It is incorrect to believe 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. Braking A motorcycle has two brakes and both are needed for effective braking. The front brake is more important and provide for about 70 percent of the braking power. Special Driving Techniques :Though the general safety rules are the same for all vehicles. 2-wheelers riders need to learn special handling techniques to safeguard against the three main cause of accidents viz. braking, skidding and cornering. Cornering √ Never negotiate a corner too fast. Reduce speed before entering the turn. The term “cornering” means the riding of a motorcycle around a corner or bend. Since the motorcycle does not have a steering √ Shift into the correct gear in advance. wheel, the driver has to lean it in the direction of the turn. The sharper the turn, and the faster √ Maintain a constant speed during the turn. the speed, the more you must lean for better control.

4. EMERGENCIES Skidding 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.

5. Always shift to a lower gear while slowing down. It provides a good grip and easy braking. • 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 concentrate on steering. • When the vehicle comes under control, the throttle or brake can be reapplied, if required, 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 both brakes gently and gradually.

6. Sudden braking : Sometimes, situations arise that compel the rider to stop the vehicle in the shortest 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 careful handling. • 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 mechanical failure 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.

7. Crossing poor road surface. Poor road surfaces are those that affect the motorcycle’s road grip and consequently its balance. 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 on highways. • 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.

8. Defensive Driving : The paramount rule of defensive driving is ‘to-be-seen’ : Most fatal motorcycle accidents are due to collision with larger vehicles whose drivers, in most cases, do not see the motorcycles. As a motorcycles, it is in your interest to be attentive and careful on the road. A good rider always positions himself correctly, so that he is seen and is able to obtain the best possible view of the road ahead. The ability to see and be seen is further reduced in adverse weather conditions and at night. Riding in the rain : Wear proper raingear. Bright colour raincoats and water-proof gloves and boots 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 form dangerously slippery surface on paved roads. Painted road surfaces are also slippery when wet. CAUTION

9. Night Riding • Use high beam. • Ride slower. • Keep increased distance from other vehicles. • Avoid overtaking. • While following a vehicle, use its tail-lights and headlights to your advantage in judging the conditions ahead. But, do not go too close to the vehicle in front.

10. The best thing to make the motorcycle visible is to keep headlights on at all times. Studies have shown that motorcycles become upto one and a half times more noticeable to the oncoming traffic when the headlights are turned on during the day. The first motorcycle was invented in 1885 by Gottlieb Daimler of Germany, by attaching a four-stroke engine to a wooden bicycle frame. And the latest is the ‘Bubble-Bike’. The unbreakable polycarbonate bubble keeps the driver warm and safe from rain and wind, rendering helmets and weather-proof clothing redundant, according to its inventor Gordon Sparshatt.