Guidelines For Motorcyclists

In an accident, it is the motor-cyclist who is more prone to suffer an injury, irrespective of whether he dashes against a pedestrian, tree, any other vehicle, animal etc. The cause of these accidents is because mostly the motor cyclist operates at a speed of more than 15 km per hour and in that speed, the body is not able to withstand injuries when the vehicle hits against another object.

We can Avoid Accidents by Following Guidelines

• All necessary documents like driving license, RC, insurance, PU certificate etc. should be carried at all times by the motorcyclist.
• The motorcyclist should always carry only one pillion rider. The pillion rider should be seated in the designated seat assigned to him or her in a proper angle. Footrests should mandatorily be used for balancing his or her feet.
• You must try all kinds of techniques to appear visible from the sides, front and rear of your vehicle. Wearing brightly coloured or fluorescent coloured helmets help to a great extent.  You could use dipped headlights even during the day to appear bright to your fellow-riders on the road.
• Before adjusting your vehicle to turn in different directions, you must first check at your back and sides for any vehicles, pedestrians or stray animals. Make full use of the mirrors on your vehicles if you have fit them.
• While driving in the dark, wear appropriate light or bright coloured clothing to increases your chances of being seen.
• Refrain from drinking alcoholic drinks while driving.
• All traffic rules and regulations must be strictly adhered to.
• Never speak on your mobile phones while driving. If you think, you must answer the call, drive towards your left, stop your vehicle, pick up the call and then speak.
• Avoid over-speeding as you might not have control over your vehicle at a high speed, thereby putting your life at great risk.
• While driving, always wear the helmet to protect against severe head injuries.
• Never try to drive your vehicle on footpaths, as it meant for pedestrians only.
• Always switch on the headlights when driving in the dark
• Try to comprehend signals used by your fellow drivers and follow the same while you drive as well.
• When there is traffic, never stop your vehicle suddenly. Always first move over to the left and then stop your vehicle.
• When driving through standing cars, give the cars enough room to open their doors.
• Never try to squeezes out of your own way during traffic jams or in the midst of standing cars. This will result in potential accidents.
• Always slow down at zebra crossings, as this is where the pedestrians cross the roads.
• Keep both your hands on the handlebar safely while driving, except when you use your hands for showing signals.
• Never make kids sit on the fuel seat or in the space in front of where the motorcyclist sits.
• Never apply brakes during turns unless otherwise it is really necessary.
• A helmet must mandatorily be worn at all times during driving. This helmet should satisfy all authorised rules and must be tightened properly.

Facts about Helmet

• A good helmet doesn’t block the vision of the driver
• Hearing should not be impaired in any way
• Helmet should not be heavy
• Prolonged use of helmet should not cause rashes to the driver in any way
• Helmet should be skin-friendly
• Helmet should be designed in such a way that neck injuries are avoided

Kinds of Helmets to be Used

The thermocol padding of the helmet should have at least 20 mm thickness and it should be stretched nicely to the sides of the head. A helmet that covers the full face is always the one that is the safest.

Components of the Helmet and their Roles

The Shell

The shell of a helmet is a thermoplastic element that has moulded injection or a thermoset that has moulded pressure into it. Fibres made of glass pieces are reinforced into the shell.

Energy Absorption in an Impact – When the helmet experiences an impact, the shell of the helmet bends and can absorb upto 33% of the energy of the impact, when the vehicle is driven at reasonable speeds.

Distribution of local Forces in an Impact – The shell of the helmet prevents sharp objects like stone or beams penetrating into the head and causing skull injuries. This is because the shell is so strong that it distributes the force of the impact overall.

Sliding Compatible on Road Surfaces – Without exerting a huge thrust, a driver can slide along the road surfaces because of the rigid structure and convex shape of the helmet.

Ample Protection For Face and Temples – Good quality helmets contain foam that help to give ample protection for face and temples as it covers the full face. During an impact, the force is entirely absorbed by the foam in the helmet and hence, direct attacks on the chin, bone fractures on the face and injuries to the forehead are avoided.

The Foam Liner

Polystyrene beads or polyurethane foam is the element used to make the lining of the helmet’s foam. During an impact, this foam contracts by at least 90% and it comes back to its usual form somewhat partially after the impact. It is this compressing activity that controls the stopping distance and the level of attack that the head receives.

Proper Strapping System

If the chinstrap is tightly fastened and if the helmet is pulled off forward by gripping the rear and then pulling it off, it means that the helmet is perfectly fitting. The buckle and the strap should be locked together if the helmet must remain tightly fastened near the chin.