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For a safe ride
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A post-licence training course offered by a city-based institute helps two-wheeler riders learn to stay safe on the road.
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Reaction time-tester
RIDING A two-wheeler is becoming a risky affair these days. Often, two-wheeler riders meet with mishaps because their vehicles offer little protection. What can they do to stay out of accidents? Safe driving norms and good judgment while on the move are the only ways to avoid a crunch situation on the road.
"The risk of a two-wheeler rider getting caught in an accident is 15 per cent more than others. In India people have good driving skills. What they lack is knowledge of traffic rules and their responsibility towards the safety of other road users," says S. B. Arasangovan, former MD TNSTC, Coimbatore and Director of Govan Institute of Higher Education for Drivers. His institute offers a one-day training programme on "How to be an accident-free two-wheeler rider?"
While most institutes offer pre-licence guidance, this institute offers only post-licence training. "In some Western countries drivers undergo post-licence training every three years. Such training plays a vital role in making them good drivers", he says.
"Most two-wheeler riders are basically inexperienced. As a result, they do not ride properly and wreak havoc on the roads, putting others also to risk. Riding is a wholesome job and the mind needs to be programmed in an appropriate manner. During the course tests are carried out to gauge their reaction time, field of vision, depth perception and speed of judgement tests and assess their capabilities. "The tests are conducted using an electronic simulator. Based on the results, we train them on avoiding accidents while riding."
Overtaking is another problem. "Distance judgment is important while overtaking moving vehicles and crossing parked vehicles. Overtaking should be avoided while negotiating curves, as one cannot see the other side. Ensure that the road to your right is clear and follow the vehicle till you go past the curve," he remarks.
"If a vehicle is likely to be hit, the rider should respond immediately. The reaction time is the time taken to respond to such a situation. Ideally, it should be 0.5 seconds," he explains. Riding at a high speed reduces the field of vision. "For a safe ride the field of vision must be high," he adds.
While riding during night, four-wheeler, three-wheeler drivers and two-wheeler riders should wear a reflective jacket. This makes the job of identifying the rider easier. "See and be seen" is the watchword that should be followed. Mr. Arasangovan says his project on two-wheeler accidents prompted him to start the training programme. "Statistics reveal a two-fold increase in the two-wheeler population in the last 25 years. Accidents have also increased in a big way. So awareness about safety is needed."
M. ALLIRAJAN
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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