Motorized two-wheelers, be it motorcycles or scooters, are the most preferred modes of transport in India. It is easy to understand why. Not only are these vehicles cheaper to buy, but they also provide excellent mileage, and are convenient in tight traffic situations. However, this minimal design makes two-wheeler safety questionable.
Unlike cars, two-wheelers have no covering cabin for their occupants. This exposes the riders to the environment and all its risks. In addition, two-wheelers are not stable and can fall with the slightest disturbance.
Government statistics show that two-wheelers are the riskiest vehicles. Two-wheelers are also one of the “Vulnerable Road Users”.
This does not mean that we should stop using two-wheelers. Motorcycles or scooters are a necessity for most of us. But, at the same time, we cannot ignore the dangers associated with riding a two-wheeler either.
So…how do we continue using a two-wheeler and keep ourselves safe at the same time?
To solve a problem we need to understand it first. We first need to understand why two-wheelers are unsafe. Through my experience of investigating hundreds of two-wheeler crashes, I have listed down the most common two-wheeler crashes.
Common Tw0-wheeler crashes in India
- Head-on crashes. The most common and deadliest crash type that involves two-wheelers. Head-on crashes are common on undivided roads when two-wheelers go to the opposite side to overtake. Traveling in the wrong direction is another cause of head-on crashes.
- Two-wheelers hit from the side at intersections. Side impacts are highly risky for two-wheeler riders due to a lack of protection. In most cases, the colliding vehicles directly hit the rider’s body. This problem is mainly caused by two-wheeler riders who tend to cross intersections without stopping. Many two-wheelers also tend to jump signals and get hit from the sides.
- Two-wheelers falling down and the riders getting run over by a larger vehicle. I consider these crashes as the silent killers for two-wheeler riders as they are often ignored. Getting run over by heavier vehicles is one of the biggest risks that a two-wheeler rider experiences.
- Two-wheelers swiping against a larger vehicle and then falling down. Usually caused by rapid lane changes or riders trying to undercut a heavier vehicle.
- Crashes between two-wheelers and pedestrians. The two most common road users are naturally going to have multiple crash involvements. What is rarely talked about is that these crashes are equally deadly for the two-wheeler rider as they are for the pedestrians.
- Two–wheelers hit from behind by a larger vehicle. Not as common as other vehicle-to-vehicle crashes. Yet, equally deadly.
- Two-wheelers colliding with objects. Two-wheelers are light and can fall down with the slightest imbalance. Even a slight road irregularity such as a small object or a protruding pipe can cause a two-wheeler to fall. Although rare, I have also come across two-wheelers that have collided with trees or poles on the roadside. That is mostly due to the next reason…
- Crashes caused by sleepy or intoxicated riders. Self-explanatory.
I have not mentioned the most talked-about crash cause, “Speeding”. Speeding by itself is not a crash type. However, speeding increases the severity of each of the above crashes.
Two-wheeler safety tips
Now that we know the deadly two-wheeler crashes, let us look at the ways two-wheeler riders can protect themselves.
Protect your head
You have probably heard this a thousand times before. Yet, I would like to reiterate: You should wear a helmet every time you ride. It doesn’t matter if you are riding or sitting behind.
Almost all two-wheeler fatalities can be prevented by helmet usage. A helmet’s primary purpose is to protect your head and not to save yourself from a fine. Always tighten the strap of your helmet. An unstrapped helmet is as good as not wearing one. It will just fly off your head even at the slightest impact.
If you are aware of the importance of helmets and still do not wear one because the helmet damages your hair or the helmet makes you sweaty or because you cannot enjoy the ride fully etc., please understand that nobody is forcing you to wear one. But keep in mind that you are playing a dangerous game of Russian Roulette by not wearing a helmet. Just because you have not been in a crash yet does not mean that you never will.
How to choose the right helmet
Here is a short helmet-buying guide to help you choose the correct helmet. You can also check this article where I have given a detailed guide on choosing the right helmet for you.
- The helmet fitting should be just tight enough to slightly press on your head and cheeks. Any tighter and the helmet will not be comfortable. If loose, the helmet will not provide adequate protection. Always go to a shop to check how a helmet fits you.
- Buy a helmet with an ISI (Indian) certification at the very least. If you can afford it, a helmet with European (ECE) or US (DOT) or SNELL certification is always better.
- Always go for full-face helmets. Doesn’t matter if you are driving in the city or highway. Modular helmets are the next best option. However, modular helmets do not provide the same safety as full-face helmets. Stay away from half/quarter shell helmets.
- Choose a helmet with adequate ventilation and noise cancellation. Both features are a life-saver in Indian conditions. You can also consider helmets with sun visors.
- Choose a MIPS helmet for bicycles. These helmets provide cushioning in multiple directions.
Be visible at all times
Two-wheelers are the smallest vehicles on the road and have a high chance of getting hidden in the blind spot region of the larger vehicles. Visibility is highly important for two-wheelers. You can improve your visibility in the following ways:
- Always maintain a considerable distance between yourself and the larger vehicle. This ensures that you are not hidden in their blind spot.
- Never overtake a heavy vehicle from the left.
- At night, make sure that your headlights and taillights are always working.
- If you are traveling on a road with no street lights or low visibility, stick some good-quality reflective strips to the sides and rear of your vehicle. A cheap and effective solution.
- Wearing a reflective jacket gives the best results at night. You can also stick the reflective strips to your bag or helmet for additional visibility.
Children need additional safety on two-wheelers.
Traveling on two-wheelers is even riskier for children. Helmets are a must. Younger children may also require safety harnesses.
I recommend that infants should not be carried on two-wheelers. To know more, check out my article on tips for two-wheeler safety for children.
Do not take unnecessary risks
Overtaking through small gaps, changing lanes to weave through traffic, accelerating quickly in tight traffic, or traveling on the wrong side of the road might save you 10 or 20 seconds of travel. But are those 20 seconds worth risking your life?
Do not take unnecessary risks. Overtake or change lanes only when you have a clear view of the traffic. Unnecessary risks also include driving in slippery conditions or when it is raining. Learn the principles of Defensive Driving.
Be extra careful when traveling close to heavy vehicles
Remember the Silent killer crash type I mentioned earlier? Many two-wheeler deaths in cities occur when two-wheelers travel close to these heavy vehicles, fall down, and get run over. We also have the additional risk of potholes in monsoons.
In most cases, the heavy vehicle’s driver is not even aware of the crash as the two-wheeler comes in his blind spot. There is little to gain by blaming heavy vehicle drivers.
Look out for obstructions such as potholes or small objects.
Being lighter and unstable, two-wheelers have a high chance of falling when they go over a pothole or hit an object such as protruding pipe or stone. Always be on the lookout for such objects on the road because you never know what may happen after a fall.
Consider additional gear for long or high-speed rides
Helmets are essential for any two-wheeler journey. But, sometimes even helmets are not enough. When you fall from a two-wheeler, you are completely exposed to the surroundings. Stiff objects such as a pole, trees, or walls can cause severe injuries if they hit you in the chest or abdomen. Riding gear is recommended to most riders who go on long distances or ride at high speeds. The most important gear is the riding jacket. Most riding jackets have special armored protection for the chest, back, shoulders, and elbows.
Be on the lookout for encroaching vehicles at intersections
Most intersection crashes are caused because the riders enter the intersection without any caution. Considering the obstructions present at most intersections in India, two-wheeler riders should slow down before entering any intersection. Also, do not break a traffic signal!
Be even more careful of pedestrians or animals
Thanks to the poor infrastructure in our country, pedestrians or animals frequently have to enter the road for crossing or walking by. Although they possess no risk to larger vehicles, I have come across many crashes where a collision between a pedestrian and a two-wheeler led to the death of the two-wheeler rider!
Be extra aware of pedestrians and animals.
Take care of your vehicle’s health
You may take all the precautions while driving. But, you will still be at risk if your two-wheeler is not properly maintained and fails while driving. Run regular checks for the tyre pressure, brakes, and condition of headlights & tail lights. Especially in cold, winter months.
The onus is always on you
If I were to summarize this article in one paragraph, it would be this:
Two-wheelers are the riskiest mode of transport in India. Every crash involving a two-wheeler is always going to hurt the two-wheeler rider, no matter whose fault it is. It is always the responsibility of the two-wheeler rider to ensure his or her safety.
After all, you can only change the things that are in your control. It is up to you to wear a helmet, not take unnecessary risks, practice caution when going near heavy vehicles, and make yourself visible at all times.
Riding a two-wheeler can be a wonderful experience. You will enjoy it even more by keeping yourself safe.
Last Updated on May 28, 2023 by RSG