Drive slow to beat the rains
While it’s not entirely possible to prevent difficult situations bikers are faced with during a monsoon, precautions (pre-monsoon checkups) and knowledge of what’s waiting outside can certainly bring down the number of avoidable accidents.
Dev Saha, a frequent rider who has traversed on some very uneven roads through all kinds of weather, has the perfect advice for bikers like him who love to take their bikes out when it’s raining. “The monsoon is not a season for bikers, but if you are a careful rider and you take the necessary precautions, there’s no reason why you should stay away from the thrill.”
But, before hopping onto your two-wheeler, check the tyre pressure and brakes, suggests Saha.
Deepak Saxena, an avid biker and founder of Team Roadrage, a Mumbai-based bikers’ group, says, “The biggest problem for any biker in the monsoon is rust, which if not taken care of, can slowly eat up the inside parts of the bike.”
He says that the humid air during monsoon speeds up the rusting process in the metal parts of a bike, moreso when the bike is being kept idle for a long time. “Always check the crucial parts like the chain, bracket, wheels, exhaust and engine before going out,” adds Saxena.
Saha suggests regular oiling as the most effective measure to prevent rusting.
The biggest problem for a driver on a car or a bike, according to both bike enthusiasts is visibility. “Most accidents during the monsoon take place due to poor visibility. The heavy rains make it very difficult to keep an eye on the road ahead,” says Saha adding, “For a biker, it always makes sense to keep the protective glass of the helmet open, so you can maintain a clear vision ahead.”
Agrees Saxena, and adds, “A brighter headlight adds a lot to the driver’s visibility. Turn on the lights whether you are driving through light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road ahead, but they also help other vehicles identify you from a distance. Most importantly, don’t forget to turn on the backlights, so that vehicles behind you can see you better.”
Srikant Karani, council member of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India says that every biker or a car driver should get a pre-monsoon check-up done before taking his/her vehicle out on the road. “Pre-monsoon servicing is always a good option before you take your car or your bike for a drive or ride,” he says.
However, Saha feels that good servicing can never compensate for one’s driving skills. “Pre-monsoon servicing might keep you safe from a sudden car-breakdown or brake failure, but remember that the monsoon tests your real driving skills. There’s nothing that can make up for that,” he says.
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