Whether you are riding a moped, bicycle or a motorbike, you must follow the basic traffic rules while traveling on the road to keep yourself and others safe. Two wheeler traffic rules in India range from simple and basic traffic rules to some more complex traffic rules. Here is a list of some of the most important two wheeler traffic rules that you must follow while on road and off road!
1. You Always Have To Wear A Helmet
It is pretty much self explanatory as to why you should and must always wear a helmet while you’re riding a two wheeler. According the data collected on Road Accidents in India (2018), released by the Union Ministry Of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH), it was observed that “almost 2,385 persons, including riders (1,707) and pillion riders (678) of motorized two wheelers, were killed in road accidents as they did not wear helmets.” So wear a helmet and keep yourself as well as your passengers safe! Beyond safety, if you’re caught riding without a helmet, you can be slapped with a fine too.
2. Indicators Should Be Used By All Riders While Making Turns Or Changing Lanes
Another basic traffic rule is to always use indicators while making turns. Indicators are of two kinds – Indicator Lights and indicating with the use of hand gestures; which have been used for years by riders and drivers on road. While hand gestures are often unsafe because in order to do so, the rider has to let go of the bike handle and also has the danger of getting himself harmed; indicator lights are a more efficient way to get around. You can also purchase and modify your bike with indicator alarms that make a siren-like sound while you use the indicator, or use your horns to draw attention of other drivers and pedestrians while making a turn or changing lanes.
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3. Only One Pillion Rider Is Allowed
It is pretty simple to understand why only one pillion driver is allowed by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Two wheelers are made to transport only two people at a time, one rider and one pillion rider. Any more people onboard may mess up with the balance of the two wheeler or due to the less space on a seat, one of the pillion riders may get harmed or even fall off of the two wheeler.
4. The Rider Must Focus On The Road All The Time
If you’re not paying attention on the road while riding, the death is paying attention to you. It has been proven by many incidents of road accidents that the rider lost his life or caused someone else to lose their life only because he wasn’t paying enough attention to the road. The use of phones while riding, or listening to songs while riding may distract you from other vehicles on the road. You may not be able to listen to other riders trying to get your attention by horns or other vehicles that are about to take a turn or overtake your two wheeler. Your attention span cannot and should not be decided while you’re riding, as it is really easy to lose focus and face an unwanted fall.
5. The Use Of Rear View Mirrors Is Mandatory
Rear-view mirrors are a great way of keeping an eye on the vehicles behind you, without having to physically turn around, to check if there is anyone right behind while making a turn or changing lanes. If you remove your rear view mirror, there is a constant danger of your two wheeler running into another vehicle on a turn or while they are overtaking you. Besides, removing your rear view mirrors or not using your rear view mirrors will make you turn your neck around to see if there are other vehicles nearby. In this process, there is a danger of not being able to see what is in front of your vehicle and crashing into a stone, a divider, an obstacle or another vehicle.
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6. Be Careful While Pulling Over
You must keep an eye out for any other close-by vehicles or pedestrians while pulling over to the side of the road. India is a heavily populated country, which means that Indian roads are equally crowded. So always beware of the fact that “you’re not the only one on the road” while you ride. Be attentive to your surroundings and other travellers while riding. Always be careful of other vehicles while pulling to the side or changing lanes.
7. Do Not Let Over Speeding Get You In Trouble
Over Speeding is a very commonly observed problem on Indian roads. In spite of the road safety rules clearly preventing riders from riding over the speed limits, these guidelines are often ignored or dismissed by many riders. Most road accidents happen due to over speeding or not being attentive to the road. So keep a tight grip on that speed!
8. Do Not Drive While You’re Drunk
It is no surprise that you’re not supposed to drive while under influence of any drugs or alcohol. Alcohol or drugs affect many important parts of the human brain which result in a combination of slow reaction time, lack of coordination, blurred or distorted vision, lack of attention, sometimes hallucinations (when too drunk or under influence of illicit drugs), which are all very dangerous when it comes to driving. So make sure you’re nowhere near your bike while you’re under influence.
9. Juvenile Driving Or Driving With An Invalid Driving License
Juvenile driving is another emerging issue seen in many road accident cases. Kids are not supposed to drive vehicles. Unless you’re 16 years old and have passed all mandatory exams for driving a two wheeler, you’re not supposed to be driving a two wheeler. Similarly, a Driving License in India expires after 20 years of registration. For example, if you get your driving license at 20, you will have to re-examine to get your driving license renewed when you turn 40. It is mainly because of the fact that increasing age results in weaker reflexes, deteriorating vision and auditory abilities. In this case, if the license is not renewed, it is considered to be an invalid driving license after the date of its expiration.
10. Driving Without Mandatory Two Wheeler Insurance
All vehicles that are being used, have to be insured. Two wheelers are no exception to this rule. So get your vehicle insured before hitting the road or be ready to pay the fine. There are several two-wheeler insurance company in India to choose from.
11. Jumping Traffic Lights
Traffic signals are created for a reason – to regulate traffic and control the traffic. If you jump red lights, you are asking for trouble. Jumping Traffic Lights can result in a number of consequences, from bad to maybe even fatal road accidents. Even if it just slips on the road, you end up hurting yourself.
We hope you diligently follow these traffic rules while you ride and be responsible. Wishing you a healthy and safe riding experience!
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