New Delhi: Road safety is not just about following traffic rules; it is a whole lot of other things – care about the safety of others on the road and being responsible while driving. When you are behind the wheel, the safety of others depends entirely on you. Being a safe driver means being both physically and mentally prepared to drive. These unwritten but important rules of road safety were highlighted by a group of motorcyclists, who came together for a road safety awareness ride in the national capital, which was organized as part of the NDTV Road To Safety Campaign. The riders by riding in a formation, demonstrated road safety practices for other motorists on the road during their 40 km long ride, which started from Vasant Kunj in Delhi and concluded in Manesar, Haryana.
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Safety comes first
It is not just safety equipment, riding is also about coordination and planning as many motorcyclists prefer to ride together when they go for a group motorcycle ride. So before the motorcyclists kick started their ride from Delhi to Manesar, a few minutes were dedicated to briefing the group on the route, stops and rules. Then group members also interacted amongst themselves to get to know each other. The bikers also discussed everything from the route they’re taking to the stopovers and time management. The better they plan; the smoother will be the ride.
One of the motorcyclists explained, “When we start a ride, we know what formation we will have on the road. We also have hand signals that only our group members understand.”
The better the plan, smoother the ride
The 46-year-old Wing Commander Jyoti, the only woman rider among the group of 100 motorcyclists who took part in this road safety awareness activity said, “Even after decades of riding, I ensure that I am well prepared for every ride. Right from checking the oil level and fuel tank to riding gear, there is a lot that a rider should ensure before hitting the road.”
When asked about how important it is for a rider to wear proper road safety gear, the Wing Commander said, “We make sure that we have all the road safety gear; the helmet is mandatory at all times, we don’t ride without a helmet on and I also make sure that when we go for long ride, we wear appropriate gear like foot guard, shoes and a jacket.”
Never break the rules
A few things are absolutely essential for safe riding. Following traffic rules, always being alert and being ready to face the challenges on the road. Experienced bikers understand the value of these things. And it’s not important to have an expensive motorcycle to be a good rider. It’s the right attitude and over the years, experience also teaches one discipline and respect for the road.
“When we see that there is some hindrance on the road or somebody is trying to create a nuisance while we are riding or there is a traffic jam, we ask them to make way politely. We tell them that we are riding, so please make it safe for all.” said Joel, a rider from Chandigarh who also joined this road safety awareness ride.
While riding also has the tendency to bring out the wild side in you, road safety, discipline and concern for others on the road is also an integral part of riding which only true bikers understand and respect.