Road safety Tips, Two Wheeler Safety Tips- Safety Awareness, IIt is sharing of knowledge. By Bimal Chandra Das, Rtd. AGM (Safety), Bokaro Steel Plant,/ Bokaro. Kolkata

1. B C Das
Tips for Two Wheeler safety
Brake properly  Courteous driving is a key to reducing
You are moving with a song on your lips, traffic crashes.
and suddenly…disaster strikes. There's a  Give proper signals well ahead of time
pothole right in front of you, and before to let others know what you are going
the brakes could be applied, you are down to do.
under.  Keep a safe distance from the car
To start with the basics, a two-wheeler has
two brakes, in which the front is operated
by the right hand, the rear by the right
foot. Needless to say, both are needed to
stop effectively.
However, in an emergency, or even
otherwise, you should apply both the ahead of you.
brakes simultaneously, not one at a time. If
you apply the front brake first, it will assist  Do not weave in and out of traffic.
you in slowing down, and immediately,  A yellow light means to SLOW
the rear one can be applied. DOWN and be prepared to STOP.
As for how to apply brakes, though there  Give the right of way to emergency
is no set rule, but it will help if you vehicles.
squeeze the front brake first, and then Choosing Eye Protection
press down the rear brake, with increasing Eyes, the most sensitive sense organ, are
pressure. Brake gently and with caution exposed to the pollution and swift wind
when you need to take a turn while that may cause irreparable damage to
braking. Use both the brakes. them. Therefore protection of this most
Do's & Don'ts of driving precious gift to mankind is to be kept in
Before you drive... HAVE A CLEAR mind while riding a motorbike. The use of
HEAD a helmet is the best mode to keep
Make sure you always have a clear head particulate matter (like dust and dirt), rain,
before deciding to operate a motor vehicle. insects and debris away from your eyes,
Alcohol and certain drugs, both illegal and besides providing safety to your head and
legal, can severely impair your driving face, in case of an accident. But enough
skills. If you are tired, don't risk the safety room for
of yourself and others on the highway by eyeglasses or
trying to drive. sunglasses is
essential.
PLAN AHEAD
Wearing a
Allow yourself plenty of extra time to face shield is
reach your destination and allow for also advised if
emergencies or traffic jams. By allowing you wear glasses to prevent them from
extra time we can be more relaxed when being blown off.
operating our vehicles and thereby cut
down on the incidences of road rage.
Respect other Drivers In heavy traffic

2. Try to stay out of other motorists' blind  Keep your headlights on low beams
spots. Two-wheeler riders always need to when following another vehicle so
assume they're invisible to everyone else. you don't blind the driver ahead of
Desist from weaving in and out of you.
traffic. If this is done, drivers cannot  If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower
predict where you're going to be next and beams from high to low, avoid glare
might even get nervous and swerve into by watching the right edge of the road
you. and using it as a steering guide.
Double-check the passing lane before  Make frequent stops for light snacks
you pass. Pass only in instances where it's and exercise. If you're too tired to
legal and safe. drive, stop and get rest.
Tips for Night Driving  If you have car trouble, pull off the
Driving at night is more dangerous than road as far as possible. Warn
during the day. One of the obvious reasons approaching traffic at once by setting
is darkness. Ninety percent of a driver's up flares or reflecting triangles near
reaction depends on vision, and vision is your vehicle and 300 feet behind it.
severely limited at night. Depth Turn on flashers and the dome light.
perception, color recognition and  Position yourself
peripheral vision are compromised after  A two-wheeler is in itself a dangerous
sundown. vehicle, to be driven carefully.
Balancing is an art that has to be
Alcohol is the single most significant mastered
factor in fatal traffic crashes, playing a part while driving
in more than half of all motor vehicle- a motorbike.
related deaths. That makes weekend nights Proper
more dangerous. More fatal crashes take positioning is
place on Friday and Saturday nights than one of the
at any other time in the week. related points
that come to mind while on the
Don't drink and drive. Not only does subject.
alcohol severely impair your driving  To make motorbike riding safe, it is
ability, but it also acts as a depressant. Just advisable that the handgrips are held
one drink can induce fatigue. Avoid firmly so that you do not lose control
smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine if you
and carbon monoxide hamper night vision. happen to
Turn your headlights on if there are any skid or
doubts. Lights will not help you see better have to
in early twilight, but they'll make it easier stretch
for other drivers to see you. Being seen is while
as important as seeing. driving.
 Reduce your speed and increase your  Try not to sit at a distance from the
following distances. It is more handle as it will impede quick reaction
difficult to judge other vehicle's when you need to veer away in the
speeds and distances at night. opposite direction, or make other
 Don't overdrive your headlights. You directional changes. An erect body
should be able to stop inside the while driving helps in better driving.
illuminated area. If you're not, you are  Your foot should be in the perfect
creating a blind crash area in front of position while driving a motorbike.
your vehicle. The best position would be a firm

3. footing on the foot pegs. While other drugs impair your ability to
ensuring that balance is maintained, it make sound judgments.
would also be near to the controls, and  Have your bike checked regularly -
make life easier and safer while Follow the recommended service
driving through crowded city streets. schedules for your bike and have all
Safety Tips repairs made by an authorized dealer.
Follow these guidelines and drive safely What's more, always check your
– bike's tires.
Riding a bike is a fun and exciting. It is  Learn to share - Having someone on
also a risky activity. These risks can be the back of your bike is a big
minimized/avoided if you care to follow a responsibility. After all, weight has a
few safety norms. Here are a few points tremendous effect on handling. So
that just may save you some trouble down before you give someone a ride,
the road. instruct them on proper riding
 Get in gear - A helmet, eye techniques and make sure they have
protection, boots and gloves best appropriate protective gear.
protect you against injury in case of  Brakes - Remember to check your
an accident. Be sure to wear them brakes every time you take your bike
every time you ride. for a drive. In the rainy season water
 Get insured - Make sure you and goes into the
your vehicle are both properly shoes and
licensed before you head out. Get brakes may not
insured so that you and your work - Drive
passengers are adequately protected. slow. This may
also happen at
 Ride defensively - Three-fourths of
steep slopes
all two-wheeler accidents involve
-don't speed up at
collisions with automobiles. They
the slopes.
happen
because the  Air pressure -
driver of the always
car did not see remember to check the pressure in the
the two- tyres. It is especially important to
wheeler. That is keep the correct tyre pressure when
why it pays to be aware of what the going on a long drive. There is also
other vehicle operators are doing - or less wear 'n' tear for both the tyres and
might do - when you ride. Be extra the bike, and it gives more fuel
aware of drivers waiting to turn left efficiency.
across your path at intersections since Carrying loads
this is the most frequent problem.  two wheeler is not equipped for any
 Keep your distance - Don't ever stop loading function. If the load is too
directly behind another vehicle. If you heavy, imbalance is always a
leave enough space, you'll be able to possibility. However, small loads can
maneuver around the vehicle in front be carried with caution.
of you in case an approaching vehicle  Proper positioning and fastening of
doesn't see you and can't stop in time. the load is a must. Try keeping the
 Don't drink and ride - About half of load light and low.
fatal two-wheeler accidents involve  The load should not be kept behind
alcohol. That is because alcohol and the rear wheel to avoid affecting the

4. centre of gravity and balancing of the  Clean the vehicle using low-pressure
vehicle. water.
Essentials for an emergency  All painted surfaces should be washed
After the initial 500 miles... only with water, as kerosene or
Change engine oil. detergent will damage the paint
Replace oil filter.  Take care not to apply water on the
electrical parts
Inspect air cleaner and service as required.
 For cleaning the engine externally,
Inspect brake pad linings and discs for
brush it with kerosene and wipe it dry
wear.
with a clean rag.
Inspect oil lines and brake system for
 Dry the vehicle and lubricate it after
leaks.
you wash it
Lubricate the front brake hand lever, the
 At times, water may enter on the
throttle control cables and the clutch
brake liners during washing, leading
control cable.
to brake slippage. Therefore, make it a
Check engine idle speed. point to dry the liners by braking
Check operation of electrical equipment frequently till the brake starts working
and switches. effectively.
Check tightness of all fasteners, except After you’ve cleaned the vehicle :
engine head bolts.  Replace or top up engine/ Gear box
Check tyre pressure and inspect tread. oil
Check rear drive belt.  Clean the air filter
Change transmission lubricant and clean  Clean the spark plug, and seal the
magnetic drain plug. electrode gap
Inspect fuel valve lines and fittings for  Overhaul the carburetor
leaks.  Adjust the control cable
Check rear shock absorbers.  Tighten nuts, bolts and fasteners
Check brake fluid reservoir levels and  Clean and adjust front and rear brakes
condition.
 Check and adjust steering column
Check stabilizer links and engine mounts. play
Check primary chaincase, lubricate and  Check for proper functioning of lights,
clean magnetic drain plug. switches and horn
Check wheel spoke tightness.  Check battery electrolyte level and top
Check cruise control/disengage switch. up with distilled water
Check rear fork pivot nut.  Check and adjust drive chain tension
Check air suspension for correct operation  Check and adjust spoke tightness / rim
and leakage. runout
Check idle speed.  Check and clean inline fuel filter
Road test. Lubricating your Two Wheeler
See your dealer. For a smooth and easy ride, it is important
A few tips that will help keep your to lubricate your vehicle from time to time.
vehicle clean : What are the parts that need to be
 Before you clean the vehicle, ensure lubricated?
that the ignition switch unit, H.T. Coil  Rider seat pivot
and silencer are covered using plastic  Control cables
sheets.  Brake lever, pedal and clutch lever

5.  Front suspension  Check and clean spark plug and adjust
 Speedo gear / pinion / cable electrode gap
  Check whether brakes are dragging
Preventive Maintenance
 Make sure that you check your tyre
treads once a week. Have the wheels
balanced and the alignment checked if
the wear is uneven.
 Check your tyres for cuts and scrapes
on your tires, which could cause a
blowout. Add air pressure as required.
Many blowouts are the result of low
Steering races
air pressure.
 Stand pivot
 Examine both of your wheels for
 Front wheel bearing missing or loose spokes. Check the
 Gear shifter assembly rims for cracks or dents.
 Brake actuating shaft  Lift the wheel off the ground and spin
 Dive chain it. Then watch its motion, listen for
First aid for your Two Wheeler noise and move it from side to side to
If even after following the above check for looseness.
maintenance tips your vehicle continues to  For smooth operations, inspect the
give you problems, you should take it to controls. Watch for kinks or broken
an authorized dealer. However, follow strands in your cables. Also, lubricate
these simple steps before approaching the the control mechanisms at each end of
dealer. the cables.
In case of starting trouble  Oil the chain and check the sprockets
 Check fuel in fuel tank / fuel cock for worn teeth.
position / fuel tank cap vent hole  Does the motorcycle bounce several
 Check fuel pipe for pinched / twisted times after you ride over a bump? Do
 Check and clean air filter element you hear a big clunk? If the answer to
either of this is yes, adjust or replace
 Check and clean spark plug and adjust
the shock absorbers.
electrode gap
 Be on the lookout for loose or missing
 Check ignition switch / engine kill
nuts, bolts or cotter pins. If you keep
switch position
your bike clean, it’s easier to spot the
 Check fuel in fuel tank / fuel cock missing parts.
position / fuel tank cap vent hole
 Adjust your brakes so they lock the
 Check fuel pipe for pinched / twisted wheel when fully applied (see your
 Check and clean air filter element owner’s manual for instructions). If
 Check and clean spark plug and adjust the wheel does not lock, or if you hear
electrode gap a scraping sound when you’re trying
In case of high fuel consumption to stop have the lining checked.
 Check for fuel leakage from fuel pipe,  If you suspect that your motorbike can
petrol tank cap, and petrol cock land you into trouble, fix things right
 Check tyre pressure away. That is the only way you can
avoid an accident.
 Check and clean air filter element
Maintenance Tips

6.  For a trouble-free ride on your  Lubricating your vehicle - take care to
favorite two-wheeler, it is imperative lubricate these parts at regular
that you maintain it properly and intervals, otherwise they might just...
inspected it regularly for minor wear  First aid tips - try these before you
and tear. Proper maintenance is take your bike to the dealer...
important for optimum and trouble-  Tyres, wheels and windshields - tyres,
free performance from your vehicle. wheel and windshields are constantly
 Preventive Maintenance - before your bombarded with road grease, brake
bike ditches you in the middle of a dust...
street, it is time you took it for a  After the initial 500 miles... - your
check-up. bike needs to be recharged after the
 Cleaning your vehicle - a few ways to first 500 miles that you’ve used it...
clean your vehicle effectively and
keep it sparkingly bright.