Driving a motorbike is bliss, wind flowing through your hair, a calming breeze over the cheek, no wonder motorcyclists love their ride. A rider is in contact with everything around him. There is a sense of presence. A bike ride at any time is an amusement. It is not as easy as it is to be imaging to ride a motorcycle. Every motorist knows it is risky to drive after sundown. These risks increase in the case of motorcycle riders. In general, driving a motorcycle is far more complicated and dangerous than driving a car. The danger levels increase when it comes to night driving.
It is commonly believed that most of the accidents happen during the nights. The reason is self-evident, low visibility, or lack of lights. Well, this increases the chances of accidents for bike drivers.
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So, there are a few aspects that need to be considered during the night rides. Considering these aspects can reduce the chances of accidents.
- ● Drunk and Drive
- ● Obstacles
- ● Animals
- ● Nightwear
- ● Night vision
- ● Visors
- ● Sound of your motorcycle
- ● Environmental Conditions
- ● Variations in Temperature
- ● Extra safety tips
1. Drunk and Drive
There are various reasons to be cautious during a night drive. There is always a case of drunk drivers. Although driving after alcohol consumption is an offense and cause of accidents, many people still do it. It is highly unlikely of a night without a drunk driver. Well, this increases the risk for the other motorists, especially bike drivers. There are safety features like airbags in a car that can prevent injuries if an accident happens. But in a bike, there are no such safety features. There is no protective frame that can prevent the rider from falling off the bike, making it even riskier.
2. Obstacles
During the day, it’s easy to identify obstacles like potholes, debris, maintenance holes, etc. However, during the nights, it is tough to spot such barriers. In the daylight, it’s easy to spot them and maneuver around them cause the obstacles can be spotted earlier, and the rider has enough time to react to it and prepare his next move, but during the nights, it is not easy to spot them.
The drivers have less time to react to the obstacle. They have to prepare themselves and plan to drive around the block, and if they are not ready, they might get into accidents or damage the vehicle.
3. Animals
Not only human-caused errors or humans but sometimes animals can also be a danger to the drivers. Most animals come out during the nighttime to avoid being seen by a predator. These animals pose more threat than hidden obstacles or drunk drivers. When animals suddenly come out onto the roads, drivers freeze under pressure and lose control. Fortunately, the animal’s eyes reflect rather than shine when there is a source of light. Well, there is no saying that the animal will always be facing toward the rider.
4. Nightwear
There are many risks to riding bikes at night, but humans always have solutions to the problems. When we can’t see others, let us make ourselves more visible to them. There are numerous options to make the riders more visible during the nights.
High visibility clothing and gear come in color like neon green, yellow, and white, which makes the riders more visible to other motorists, reducing the chance of crashing into each other. Dressing up in all black and riding your bicycle in the night could cause you more accidents than the number of goons you catch. If you think all the high visibility clothes or gears are too much for you, there is an easy fix. Just pick up any neon industrial vest which is used by construction workers. Using bright colors like neon yellow or neon orange is better. Retro-reflective panels are best when driving through the night. They reflect light when a beam strikes it.
5. Night vision
Your vision should be apparent during the night rides. The more precise and concentrated you are, the less will be chances of accidents. Headlights are the essential aspect that you need to consider during night rides.
Approaching headlights will blind your vision. Since you are riding a motorcycle, car headlights may be brighter. This bright light of car’s headlights may be uncomfortable or can be one reason for accidents during night times. To avoid these challenging situations, make sure your driving in your Lane. Looking in other directions may affect your order of driving.
Your way will be exact during the day times, and you can identify the obstacles from far distances also. But during the night times, your vision is restricted to less extent. Your motorcycle’s headlights are capable of making your way clear only up to small distances during nights. But during night rides, you will need headlights, which help to increase night vision. As it is not possible, bring down your speed.
If you are traveling behind a vehicle, use the vehicle’s headlights as yours. Their headlights can be a way to identify the scrap and obstacles on the road. Always remember that cars can get on scrap, but motorcycles cannot. Changing the direction of your Lane is the best option to avoid obstacles or trash on the road for your safety.
6. Visors
Just like Your mind and your vision, your visor should also be clear. Visors keep your eyes protected from shading and bright light.
Different visor can be used for various lights. The visors which are used during the daylight are not suggestible for night rides. Yellow visor or glasses are preferable during dim lights.
Scratches may distort the view from visors. If you are not ok with carrying different visors for different timelines, then there are photochromic visors designed to adjust according to the light levels. These photochromic visors are not free to fit for all. There are sizes and options that you’ll need to choose from. Carrying an extra pair of glasses can be a suitable option while riding with an open visor.
Scratches on visors should be avoided.
So, avoid cleaning with towels or clothes which may cause scratches. Mild solutions and cotton clothes may be the best options that can be adopted to clean the visor.
7. Sound of your motorcycle
Loud pipes save lives; it’s a famous motorcycle myth. Though it isn’t proven scientifically, it can save lives sometimes.
Your motorcycle’s drained sound can be an alarm for the nearby vehicles. During the daylight, it is possible to see from far distances. But during nights or dark hours, it becomes problematic. Then, your sound will be an advantage for you. It can alert vehicles approaching or leaving.
8. Environmental conditions
Fog: Fog is the dangerous side of the environment. Moisture is very active during night time and also in cold temperatures. Condensation may cause destructive destruction if not taken seriously.
Visor: Fog will form a thin layer on the visor, which disfigures the view. This condition may affect your driving direction.
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Rear-view mirror: Rearview Mirrors play a crucial role in helping the driver. Through then you can see fellow drivers behind you. If fog is formed on the rear-view mirror, you’ll not see the persons behind you.
9. Variations in Temperature
Jackets that can be useful for both humid and cool temperatures are preferable during driving. These jackets can be used to warm yourself in cool Temperatures and provide sufficient air during warm weather. Gloves are also useful while driving. Daytime gloves might not be able to control the cold, so you can consider carrying an extra pair for night times.
Friction: Most of you all know what conflict does. Friction opposes the moment of an object. During the driving times, friction has to be calculated. Cooler temperatures and wet roads may not provide enough friction. If there isn’t enough friction, then driving will be a problem. So, know about the road conditions during different seasons.
10. Extra safety tips
Be alert: keep checking your mirrors; make sure that they are in the right position. They should always help you to see the persons behind you.
Blind Spots: Larger vehicles or other riders can’t see few spots. These are the blind spots. Blind spots are to be avoided for safety.
Signals: Flashlights and signals drive attention to your motorcycle. It will be easier for other vehicles to recognize you from far distances. Signals should definitely be used while changing the lanes.
Driving distance: If you’re unable to see the vehicle in front of you, it’s better to maintain more distance from it than the regular one.
One night ride can change your perspective about nightlife. You’ll see a whole new life. Like new things may be dangerous sometimes, night rides are also hazardous if safety precautions aren’t’ taken. So, while night rides, take every safety measure that you can, and enjoy the new life.
