Playing a part in motorcycle safety

August, 2018

In the changing market trends and emerging opportunities, personal and commercial motorcycles, commonly known as boda-bodas have contributed to the transport industry. This has resulted to ease of movement and time-keeping especially with the frequent traffic snarl-ups and convenience of using the motorcycles as a means of transport.  

According to TechSci Research report on “Africa Two Wheeler Market 2011-2021”, Africa motorcycle taxis play a crucial role in driving sales of two wheelers and convenience of carrying passengers and goods to distant places in a growing number of countries across Africa. South Africa, Nigeria and Tanzania are the largest two wheeler markets in Africa, followed by Kenya, Algeria, Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Angola and Ethiopia.

However, motorcycles have had a negative perception of having rogue riders who flout traffic rules that lead to road accidents. There are risk factors whereby over 20 per cent of reported cases of road accidents are caused by motorcycles.

Motorcycle safety is therefore a crucial matter in ensuring road safety for the riders, drivers and the pedestrians. In promoting road safety, SGA Security offers motorcycle riding safety course for both private and public riders. The course introduces riders to motorcycle controls, riding, basic manoeuvres and traffic skills. Just like driving, all riders must enrol on a motorcycle riding safety course. Qualified students receive an accredited Driving Licence Class F and G at the end of the course. 

Pedestrians and motorists have to always be on the look- out for an oncoming boda-boda as they manoeuvre through traffic snarl-ups. Pedestrians should always ensure that they always supervise young children while crossing the streets and footbridges.  Always look left, right, and left again before crossing a street, and keep watching as you cross.

But how do motorcyclists play their part in ensuring that sanity is observed on our roads to prevent accidents?

• Before carrying a passenger, perform pre-ride checks such as checking the tyre pressure, fluid levels, hand and foot brakes, signal indicators and always carry an extra helmet and a reflective jacket.
• While carrying cargo, a rider must make adjustments to the tyres for suspension and placement of the load.
• Increase visibility by wearing safety gears such as reflective jackets, hand gloves and safety boots and avoid dark coloured clothing when riding
• Wear helmet with face shields to offer protection from wind, rain, dust, stones and head injuries.
• Obey traffic lights, road signs, speed limits and lane markings.
• Always ride with the flow of traffic.
• Leave plenty of room between motorcycle and other vehicles.
• Ensure a check on the side mirror before changing lanes.
• Proceed cautiously at intersections to shield pedestrians and motorists from accidents.
• Watch out for road hazards such as potholes, wet surfaces, pebbles, bumps and train trucks.
• Do not ride while intoxicated or under any drug influence as this may impair your judgement.
• Do not ride on the pedestrian walkways.
• Do not ride in bad weather as rain reduces visibility.

Next time you are on the road, ride safe, protect yourself and protect others.