I cannot stress on the fact that our roads have been getting dangerous by the day, main reason being the number of distractions people have gotten themselves into in today's fast paced lives and of course, because of the sheer number of new vehicles rolling out everyday! I began touring on my KTM Duke390 in 2014 and since then, my observations tell me that the traffic scene has gone from bad to worse all over the country and that also includes highway traffic. Here are 4 methods I follow while riding in the city and on the highway to prevent myself from being involved in an accident:
1) Ride a little faster:
Yes, you read that right. I've observed that by riding a tad faster than the pace of traffic, I save myself from being hit from behind by impatient drivers/riders. Not only that, I also save myself being hit from the side by the learners who struggle with their handling at low speeds. I hate riding slow at traffic pace and fortunately, that helps me clear away from the crowd in no time.
2) Make your presence known:
People talk a lot about the horn these days and how it is being abused by motorists. If it's a car driver saying that, you can ask him/her to shut up! Don't be ashamed of using the horn at every instance of an overtake and at junctions, however, use the horn prudently, off course your intention must be clear not to create nuisance but get noticed. You need to alert people of your presence, especially since a lot of the crowd on foot and in vehicles is absent minded. Honking can save you from being hit by someone who doesn't check their rear view mirrors too. I know it gets annoying sometimes but our roads are turning into war zones and beeping that horn could save you!
3) Look out for people on their phones:
The governments have hardly been doing anything about this, I remember people hesitant about using their phones 2 or 3 years ago but nowadays, nobody cares and that's when we get a chance to be extra alert. The moment you see someone using their phones while driving/ riding, use your horn and dipper the most. It's like waking them up so that they know you're around them and then make your move. If you see someone with their phone, chances are they'll use it even after you signal them to not use it. Treat a mobile user's vehicle like a radioactive substance and stay as far away as you can from them!
4) Stay alert all the time:
Train your mind into being alert and highly responsive to situations, fool it by thinking there are no rules and regulations that govern the roads. Well, it is a similar scene in reality but assume as though you are the whole and sole when it comes to saving yourself, there are no rules, lane discipline and people drive the way they wish. Your mind will take that into account and change your riding style accordingly, thereby keeping you highly focused and on the look out for troubles to which you can respond in time.
All in all, the most important thing while riding is to remain focused and not get diverted by thoughts and worries. Get used to tackling the chaos with ease and then you'll have fun ;)
By: Ssaajan Manoj Jogia
1) Ride a little faster:
Yes, you read that right. I've observed that by riding a tad faster than the pace of traffic, I save myself from being hit from behind by impatient drivers/riders. Not only that, I also save myself being hit from the side by the learners who struggle with their handling at low speeds. I hate riding slow at traffic pace and fortunately, that helps me clear away from the crowd in no time.
2) Make your presence known:People talk a lot about the horn these days and how it is being abused by motorists. If it's a car driver saying that, you can ask him/her to shut up! Don't be ashamed of using the horn at every instance of an overtake and at junctions, however, use the horn prudently, off course your intention must be clear not to create nuisance but get noticed. You need to alert people of your presence, especially since a lot of the crowd on foot and in vehicles is absent minded. Honking can save you from being hit by someone who doesn't check their rear view mirrors too. I know it gets annoying sometimes but our roads are turning into war zones and beeping that horn could save you!
3) Look out for people on their phones:The governments have hardly been doing anything about this, I remember people hesitant about using their phones 2 or 3 years ago but nowadays, nobody cares and that's when we get a chance to be extra alert. The moment you see someone using their phones while driving/ riding, use your horn and dipper the most. It's like waking them up so that they know you're around them and then make your move. If you see someone with their phone, chances are they'll use it even after you signal them to not use it. Treat a mobile user's vehicle like a radioactive substance and stay as far away as you can from them!
4) Stay alert all the time: Train your mind into being alert and highly responsive to situations, fool it by thinking there are no rules and regulations that govern the roads. Well, it is a similar scene in reality but assume as though you are the whole and sole when it comes to saving yourself, there are no rules, lane discipline and people drive the way they wish. Your mind will take that into account and change your riding style accordingly, thereby keeping you highly focused and on the look out for troubles to which you can respond in time.
All in all, the most important thing while riding is to remain focused and not get diverted by thoughts and worries. Get used to tackling the chaos with ease and then you'll have fun ;) By: Ssaajan Manoj Jogia