Here are a few potholes survival tips while riding a bike during monsoon 12th September 2022
Due to heavy downpours every year, the Indian roads are severely hit and damaged. The potholes and cracks make the roads less motorable, and vehicles have to find their way safely by tackling them.
Potholes are dangerous for driving during the monsoon and rainy seasons, especially for bikers. Alongside this, the extra danger of your bike's wheels slipping on roads adds to the stress of accident possibilities.
Riders must exercise extra caution for a safe ride during the monsoon season. If you drive a two-wheeler in the rain, you should keep the following points in mind.
1. Do not disregard tyre health:
Before riding a bike or scooter in the rain, remember to check the tyres. Your bike might easily skid on the road if the traction in its tyres is worn down. Therefore, change the tyre right away.
2. Attentiveness:
Riding safely in the weather largely depends on being aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for potholes and puddles since they can be deeper and bigger than you expected, or there might be an open manhole beneath the water. Stay away from slicks of oil on the road that can be very slippery.
3. Slow down:
Speeding your two-wheeler is strictly prohibited when it rains because it affects your ability to see through and impairs your vision. In addition to the poor vision caused by rain, driving slowly will also give you better control and allow you to brake effectively in an emergency. Your scooter or bike may skid if you apply the brakes suddenly. Potholes are frequently obscured by water and are difficult to see. Take complete judgement of the road and maintain a steady speed to get enough time to tackle the potholes without losing balance.
4. Keep a safe distance:
Keep a safe gap between your two-wheeler and other vehicles on the road, whether in front of you, behind you, or even on the sides. You run the risk of hitting other vehicles when your vision is poor.
5. Using brakes correctly:
When it's raining, it's usually preferable to use the back brake so that your bike stops gradually rather than abruptly. Avoid applying sudden brakes as it might make the vehicle behind ram into you.
6. Stay off flooded roads:
In addition to causing you to veer into potholes, water exposure can harm your scooter or bike's exhaust.
Riding gear –
Investing in good waterproof riding gear can keep you dry. Your riding gear will protect you in an accident. These gears are
● Waterproof riding jacket: Invest in a waterproof riding jacket. To ensure that other road users see you, ensure the jacket has adequate reflective stripes.
● Waterproof riding pants: Wear waterproof riding pants to protect your lower body from the water.
● Gloves: Waterproof riding gloves keep your hands safe and grip tight on the handlebar.
● Helmet: Purchase a full-face helmet with a transparent visor. Immediately replace the scratched visor. To increase visibility, apply reflective tape to the front and back of the helmet.
The water puddles well conceal potholes. The bike's rapid movement and imbalance from riding over these puddles could cause you to lose traction. No matter how skilled a rider you are, a lack of traction and visibility can significantly damage your bike and cause you injuries.
Another crucial safety measure is an insurance. It is preferred to have robust bike insurance to protect your asset from unfortunate damages and repair and maintenance costs. A bike insurance equips you to deal with any accident on the road.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles when you are riding. Look out for potholes and avoid over speeding your bike. Always remember to accelerate gradually and brake gently to prevent any jerky movement, and never miss having bike insurance.
Click HERE to buy the best bike insurance policy.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.