What Is Road Safety: Challenges, Essential Measures, and More

India is a land of hills, terrains, and rigorous landscapes. While the adventure offers adrenaline-rushing journeys, the drives can be risky. In 2021, two-wheelers contributed to the highest number of road fatalities in India, making up 44.5% of all road accident deaths. These motorcycle accidents leave devastating consequences. Some lose their lives, while others face life-long injuries.

The survivors of such accidents face severe physical injuries and mental anguish. Moreover, they are left with mounting hospital bills. Everywhere, you will witness not just numbers but the lives being destroyed. That is why every responsible individual must understand what road safety is to address the problems associated with it. Observing safety measures on the road is critical to safeguard your lives and that of others.

Why Is Road Safety Important for Riders?

Road traffic crashes result in approximately 1.19 million deaths per year around the globe, leaving around 20 to 50 million survivors with potential non-fatal injuries. More than half of road accidents occur due to riders' vulnerabilities and those of other road users.

Best motorcycle riding practices such as weaving and downshifting help them anticipate the risks well in advance and respond to them within the defined time frame. By understanding what is road safety and the road safety measures, both drivers and riders will share a safer road.

Key Rules for Motorcycle Road Safety

As a motorcycle rider, you should know about road safety rules to enjoy your ride fully. You must understand the challenges of controlling your bike on the open road. Whether you are a seasoned motorcyclist, biking enthusiast or just a novice commuter, make sure to follow these key road safety rules on any day:

1. Wear protective gear
   One of the most crucial things to do before you start your motorcycle ride is to ensure that you are wearing essential road safety equipment. These essential biking gears are your life-saving equipment in case of accidents or collisions.
2. Check your bike before every ride
   Before every single ride, make sure that you check your bike inside out. This helps you in preventing accidents and associated mechanical breakdowns. Check whether you have put on your brake pads, whether your tyre is firm, and whether your chain is clean and lubricated. Remember to wipe off the dust from your bike every time before starting your ride.
3. Follow traffic rules
   Along with investing in good bike crash guards, ensure you diligently follow the road traffic safety rules. This is a prerequisite as it ensures 360-degree protection against all forms of road accidents. There are others like you on the road; following road safety rules also makes you a responsible rider who protects other lives.
4. Stay visible
   Poor visibility on roads significantly increases the chances of crashes. Therefore, as a motorcycle rider, you must learn to adapt to the changing driving situations when you experience poor visibility. Due to the lack of adequate visibility, you may find it challenging to speed down or avoid road obstacles. Also, you must stay visible to other road drivers to avoid head-on collisions and back-to-front crashes. Understanding the importance of your bike’s visibility on the road is a crucial aspect of deciphering what is road safety.
5. Maintain safe distance
   One of the most straightforward yet frequently violated road safety measures is maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles. You cannot be a responsible driver even if you religiously follow other road safety tips and miss on this one. Maintaining a safe driving distance helps you find an evasive action in due course of time. Maintaining a reasonable distance from other vehicles, even at higher speeds, reduces the chances of collision.
6. Avoid distractions and ride under the influence
   Being drowsy and driving on open roads is dangerous. It is, in fact, one of the critical causes of road accidents. Avoid distractions like talking on your phone while you drive. Eliminating distractions and redirecting your focus on driving is an important road safety function. This is one of the important checkpoints in understanding what is road safety.
7. Check weather conditions
   The Indian climate is unpredictable — it might be bright and sunny or bring sudden light rain. While you can adapt your riding style to suit dry or slightly wet roads, your motorcycle isn’t built for extreme conditions like wet, icy, or snowy roads. These surfaces can cause your bike to behave unpredictably, making it harder to maintain control.
8. Avoid overloading your bike
   Overloading your bike puts tremendous stress on different parts of your bike. This can result in faster wear and a shortened lifespan for your motorbike. Moreover, your motorcycle may require frequent repairs. Thus, avoid overloading your bike beyond its carrying capacity.

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Common Hazards for Motorcyclists

Debris on the roads, potholes, and slick surfaces are all the hazards you need to take care of while riding motorcycles. These and other minor nuisances can cause many of your efforts to control your bike, resulting in severe accidents and injuries. Here are a few of them:

1. Potholes and Uneven Roads
   Maintaining control over your motorcycle requires establishing a balance between the two wheels of your bicycle. Bumping into the potholes can lead you to lose your bike control. It can even result in denting rims and causing your bike’s undercarriage to strike the road surface, making it difficult to control your motorcycle.
2. Wet and Slippery Roads
   Wet and slippery roads pose significant risks for two-wheelers. The tyre traction is significantly reduced on these surfaces, increasing your likelihood of slipping off. This becomes more risky when you take a sudden turn or brake.
3. Blind Spots of Other Vehicles
   Avoid the blind spots of the vehicles in front of you. The blind spot of a car lies above its rear wheels. It makes it difficult for the car driver of the opposite lane to identify what is coming in their direction. Try distracting yourself from these blind spots to get the hint of the vehicle passing you by.
4. Sudden Braking by Other Drivers 
   A sudden brake by someone driving next to you can shake your own motorcycle. This might result in collisions and potential crashes if the brakes are not controlled properly. Such hazards commonly occur on minimally maintained roads. It is therefore important for you to learn more about road safety.

Conclusion

Understanding what is road safety is vital to having a safe expedition. In today’s busy world, no matter which city you live in, understanding the importance of road safety and imbibing road safety tips is essential. Road safety is a smart way to protect your life assets and prevent the risks associated with unsafe driving and the vulnerabilities of other road users. TVS Safety Gear is your best companion in your road adventures. Get in touch with our experts today!