How To Ride Motorcycle (Okada) Safely In Nigeria.

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THE MOTORCYCLIST.
A motorcyclist is a person that rides a two wheel vehicle, Motorcycle, Tricycle and Moped powered by an engine.
Approximately half of fatal motorcycle crashes involve motor vehicles because of motorists failure to see a motorcycle in traffic until it is too late.

Extra Problems.
In addition to problems faced by motor vehicles, motorcyclists are faced with extra problems similar to those faced by pedestrians and bicyclists.

¤ They are exposed, less stable, small in size and not easily seen by motorists.
¤ Motorists find it difficult to judge their distance and speed.

[Motorcyclists are six times more likely to die in road crash and have 8:10 chances of the crashes resulting in death or very severe injury than people in encased vehicles.]

Before Your Ride
Ensure that your motorcycle is in good working condition, paying attention to the brakes, tyres, clutch and throttle, trafficators, mirrors, horn, headlamps and rear lights.

Riders Protection
¤ Wear smart, bright coloured clothing.
¤ Avoid flowing and flimsy garments, and slippers as they are not particularly protective.
¤ Protect your head with safety helment, thick gloves and riding boots properly fastened even on short trips, as it increases your chances of surviving a crash.


Body Position and Control
¤ Sit comfortably on the motorcycle.
Hold the handlebars firmly with both hands and keep your feet on the pedals, with your knees against the petrol tank for stability.
¤ You and your motorcycle must move together as a unit by aligning with the motorcycle as you make turns.
¤ Do not weave or meander along the roads.
¤ Do not squeeze between vehicles

Before Pulling Out
¤ Glance behind, do not start off, make turns or pull up without first glancing behind to see that it is safe
¤ Give clear signal and in good time, of your intention to pull out.

Overloading
¤ Do not carry more than one passenger on your motorcycle.
¤ Never carry outsized objects or people with outsized objects.


Turning
Check traffic on both ways, using your mirror and glancing over your shoulder before you reach your turn off. Signal your intention in good time, and as soon as it is safe, take up position to turn, especially when making a left turn.
Make sure your trafficator is on, all the time, plus hand signals if possible, before making a turn.
Make your left turn when it is safe to do so.

Avoid Blind Areas
¤ Avoid staying where motorists may not see you.
¤ Avoid that spot where you cannot make eye contact with the motorist. If you cannot see his eyes, he may not be able to see you.
¤ At bends, blind intersections, emerging between vehicles or from side road, and at the brow of a hill, always position yourself in a manner that you can see approaching traffic and be seen.

Keep Safe Distance
You must not follow closely, or squeeze between vehicles.
¤ Always apply the 'two seconds' rule and when necessary use the common sense modification; the three or four seconds rule.
¤ Do not ride too close to the sides of other vehicles.
¤ Doors may take a swipe, or a vehicle may swerve.

Approaching An Intersection
Slow down at intersections. A vehicle coming from the other side may enter the space in front of you. Be ready to stop. More motorcycle crashes mostly happen at intersections. Be careful.


Riding In Convoy
Ride in a single file.
¤ Keep within speed limits for safety. Leave at least 'two seconds' gap between you and the next cyclist.
¤ Avoid the danger of being over-run or running over other road users. Being in a convoy demands alertness and concentration.
¤ Be focused and alert.

Speed Limit
¤ Maximum speed limit for motorcycles in built up area is 50km/hr.
Motorcycles under 50cc are not allowed on the highways and express ways.
¤ Remember! Though your motor bike may be more flexible to manoeuver and may speed like motor cars, you are more vulnerable and unprotected in case of a crash.