Before You Buy a Two WheelerThere are mostly two reasons of buying a two-wheeler - need and desire. This article focuses on need based buying, which is rational and logical. There is no such thing as a perfect bike, or the best bike in the world. Every mechanical device such as a two-wheeler is intended for a specific application, and this has to be defined by you.
The first step is to define your need. From the practical point of view most people look for a workhorse that can take them to work everyday, run errands, do odd jobs, not cost too much, nor guzzle up too much petrol, be easy to put on stand and get off stand, be fairly reliable, and easily repairable with easy availability of spare parts.
Your budgetary constraints are also an important decider on the kind of bike you’ll eventually buy. Apart from budget, the two most important factors in a bike are safety and comfort.
›› Safety
Important aspects of safety comprise braking, roadholding, balance, powerful headlights, loud horns, bright blinkers, tail-light and brake-light.
Instantaneous locking of the wheels upon applying brakes is not good braking, and can result in a nasty fall especially on a wet road. The brakes must act gradually rather than instantly.
Roadholding and balance depend on quality of suspension, seating geometry and height of center-of-gravity of the bike; the quality and state of wheel and rear swing-arm bearings, but most importantly on the quality and state of the tyres. If the bike continues arrow-straight at about 40 kms without wavering, wobbling or pulling to one side, then roadholding and balance of the bike are good.
The next important requirement is headlights, to which there are two aspects, beam power and beam quality. The beam power of most bikes is inadequate and the beam quality of most is downright pathetic. However, as far as the currently available models go, take the bike on a straight road at night. At low beam you should be able to see clearly up to ten times the braking distance of the bike and twice that distance at high beam. Also, you should be able to see clearly the side of the road on both sides.
Saftey TipsTraffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day, yet many of us are unaware of night driving's special hazards or don't know effective ways to deal with them.
Driving at night is more dangerous than during the day. One of the obvious reasons is darkness. Ninety percent of a driver's reaction depends on vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision are compromised after sundown.
Fatigue also adds to the danger of night driving. Drowsiness makes driving more difficult by dulling concentration and slowing reaction time.
Alcohol is the single most significant factor in fatal traffic crashes, playing a part in more than half of all motor vehicle-related deaths. That makes weekend nights more dangerous. More fatal crashes take place on Friday and Saturday nights than at any other time in the week.
Effective measures to minimize these after-dark dangers can be taken by preparing your car and following special guidelines while you drive:
* Prepare your car for night driving.
* Clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows once a week, more often if necessary.
* Aim your headlights properly.
* Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue. Avoid smoking when you drive. Smoke's nicotine and carbon monoxide hamper night vision. Turn your headlights on if there are any doubts. Lights will not help you see better in early twilight, but they'll make it easier for other drivers to see you. Being seen is as important as seeing.
Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle's speeds and distances at night.
Don't overdrive your headlights. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area. If you're not, you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.
Keep your headlights on low beams when following another vehicle so you don't blind the driver ahead of you.
If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.
Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest.
If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible. Warn approaching traffic at once by setting up flares or reflecting triangles near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it. Turn on flashers and the dome light.
Observe night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down. As your eyes are adapting to the constant change in amount of light, twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive.
Fasten your seat belts
Seat Belt Car crashes are a leading cause of death. Aside from always following traffic signs and obeying the rules of the road, buckling up your safety belt may be the single most dramatic move you can make to reduce your health risks. The deaths and injuries that occur every year due to car accidents could be reduced by about half if both drivers and passengers used their safety belts. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is strapped in, and that small children are secured in safety seats before you take off. It can save your life, and it's the law!
Never, Ever Drink and Drive
Never, Ever Drink and DriveYoung people in particular are at high risk for auto accidents. Adding alcohol to the situation is sheer insanity. Alcohol is the major cause of fatal car crashes caused by human error. People are killed on the road every day because they or others had alcohol-impaired judgment or reflexes. If death doesn't scare you, how about disability? Drunk driving results in hundreds of thousands of injuries including lifetime disability from brain damage, paralysis, blindness, or amputated or deformed limbs.
New Air Bag Guidelines
To help prevent injuries in the event your car's air bag deploys : Properly restrain all infants and children in safety seats, or lap and shoulder belts, whenever they ride in a motor vehicle. Never use rear-facing child safety seats in the front seat of a vehicle. A rapidly inflating air bag can strike the rear-facing seat, seriously injuring or killing the child. Infants should ride in a rear-facing safety seat - placed in the rear seat of the vehicle - until they are about one year old. Have children ride in the rear seat whenever possible. When a child rides in the front seat, make sure the seat is pushed back as far as possible - away from the air bag. (Kids often sit close to the dashboard so they can see better. This minimum clearance can be a problem if the air bag ever deploys.) Source: CDC
Hot Cars
On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can shoot up in minutes - even if the windows are partially open.. Even if it is not so hot outside, the danger of overheating exists - especially if you have a dark-colored car. Don't leave pets or children unattended.
Motor Vehicle Safety Do's & Don'ts of driving
Essentials for an emergency Anti-theft tips
Respect other Drivers Tips for night driving
Essentials for an emergency
Essentials for an emergency
Carry these items in your vehicle in case of an emergency:
Flares.
Portable radio and spare batteries.
Bottled drinking water.
Energy food bars.
Blanket.
Flash Light and spare batteries.
Reflective Triangles.
First Aide Kit. Duct Tape.
Tennis shoes and socks - in case you drive somewhere in high heels.
Clean (void of gas or vapors) or new gas can.
Tire in a Can - for repairing punctured tires.
Spare change.
Cellular phone - if you can afford one.
Spare tire in good condition - check it every time you save your oil changed or tires rotated.
Jack. Rag.
Window scraper for cold climates.
Gallon of water for hot climates.
Insurance company information.
Roadside Assistance Program information (CAA).
Jumper cables.
Tire pressure gauge.
Bailing wire.
Rubber mallet.
Four-way screw driver.
Pre-moistened towlettes.
Paper and a pen or pencil.
Owner's Manual.
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Motor Vehicle Safety Do's & Don'ts of driving
Essentials for an emergency Anti-theft tips
Respect other Drivers Tips for night driving
* Courteous driving is a key to reducing traffic crashes.
* Yield the right-of-way at intersections.
* Give proper signals well ahead of time to let others know what you are going to do.
* Keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you.
* Do not weave in and out of traffic.
* A yellow light means to SLOW DOWN and be prepared to STOP.
* Many crashes occur due to people rushing to "beat" the yellow light.
* ALWAYS obey school zone speed limits and stop for school buses with flashing lights.
* Give the right of way to emergency vehicles.
Lock your vehicle and pocket the keysAnti-theft tips
The majority of stolen vehicles are left unlocked, often with the keys in the ignition. Whether you leave it for a moment or for several hours, always lock it and take the keys with you. NEVER leave your vehicle with the engine running. This is an open invitation to the "joyrider".
Secure Valuables and Parcels
Never leave unattended in your vehicle, cheque books, credit cards, or other such articles. Lock valuables in the trunk.
Park in Well-Lit and Busy Areas
This is important for both your personal safety and the protection of your automobile and its contents.
Secure Your Registration
Carry your vehicle registration with you.
Identification
Criminals have also found it profitable to steal equipment and accessories. Engraving tools are available to mark equipment and accessories such as batteries, stereos and hubcaps.
Before you drive...
HAVE A CLEAR HEAD
HAVE A CLEAR HEADMake sure you always have a clear head before deciding to operate a motor vehicle. Alcohol and certain drugs, both illegal and legal, can severely impair your driving skills. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dangerous drowsiness. Get a good night's rest and don't drive for long stretches without a break. If you are tired, don't risk the safety of yourself and others on the highway by trying to drive. Just as with alcohol--designate a driver or choose another means of transportation such as taxi cab or public transportation.
LIMIT DRIVING ALONE WHEN TIRED
Driving with someone else in your vehicle can increase your overall alertness. It is well recognized that when driving alone, especially when sleep deprived and at night, your chances of a crash are dramatically increased.
READ THE LABELS
If you are taking any medications, be sure to read and obey the warning labels. If the label says the medication causes drowsiness or not to drive--heed the warning and don't drive. The warnings are there for a reason. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or to ask about medications for your condition that don't cause drowsiness.
PLAN AHEAD
PLAN AHEADAllow yourself plenty of extra time to reach your destination and allow for emergencies or traffic jams. In today's busy world most of us are in a hurry to get where we are going. By allowing extra time we can be more relaxed when operating our vehicles and thereby cut down on the incidences of road rage, such as excessive speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out between cars.
RESEARCH SAFETY FEATURES
Safety should always be a top priority when shopping for a vehicle. Research the safety performance of any vehicle you are considering buying including how the vehicle performs in crash tests. Both driver and passenger side air bags are now mandatory in all new cars. Look for side impact bags in many new models as well. When buying a used vehicle, look for one with air bags. Research what type of safety systems are in the car and choose the safest to protect you and your loved ones in the event of a collision.
While in the driver's seat :
RELAX
Avoid aggressive driving by relaxing and having patience. By not being in such a rush to reach your destination you will be a calmer person and won't need to speed and run red lights. A yellow light means slow down, not speed up. Always stop at red lights.
BE ALERT TO SIGNS OF FATIGUE
If you start to feel tired when driving pull over in a safe area and let someone else drive. If you are alone, pull into a safe location such as a well lit rest stop and take a short nap or get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes. Stop as often as necessary. When traveling on long trips, eat light. Large, heavy meals can make you drowsy.
PRACTICE COMMON SENSE SAFETY RULES
Always wear your safety belt and make sure all your passengers are buckled properly, even on short trips. If traveling with children, educate yourself on the many kinds of child safety seats and restraints. Choose which system is best for your child and always follow the directions. Make sure children ages 12 and under are always buckled up in the back seat, the safest place to ride.
KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROADKEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD
Avoid taking your eyes off the road by eliminating any possible distractions ahead of time. Before setting out on a drive, be sure that important items are within easy reach, i.e. directions and maps, sunglasses, etc. Reduce to a minimum possibly dangerous diversions of your attention from the tasks of safe driving such as changing tapes or compact discs and always pull over to a safe place to use your cellular telephone.
