What are the consequences of riding a bike on the wrong side of the road 29th November 2022
Every year, millions of new bikes are registered in India, the fourth-largest automotive industry in the world. According to the World Bank, India is also responsible for 11% of all road fatalities worldwide due to the country's rapid automobile population growth and congested roads. So, everyone in the community must be responsible for obeying the traffic rules.
This post looks at the consequences that can happen when people break the law and drive on the wrong side of the road.
1. The dangers of wrong-side driving:
Wrong-side driving is a common violation in India. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Motor Vehicle Act because traffic laws are often broken. As per the amendment in Motor Vehicle Act 2019, the penalties are INR 500-1000 and/or jail for 03 years.
2. Ensure no traffic violations:
It's important to remember that while driving, you are accountable for your safety and for other vehicles plying on the road. Say no to traffic offences and prevent wrong-side driving.
3. The potential danger of head-on collisions:
It is well known that drivers who cross the centre line or make a wrong turn onto an exit on a highway are the primary perpetrators of head-on collisions. Head-on and wrong-way driving crashes account for more than 10% of all bike accident fatalities.
4. Frequent crashes in the night:
Night-time is the most dangerous time for head-on collisions when visibility is reduced, and driver weariness is high. Due to the weather, motorists are more likely to drift into oncoming traffic lanes without realising it until it's too late.
5. Greater numbers of moving vehicles:
There are several valid reasons to avoid driving on the wrong side of the road. An increase in traffic volume can be one reason. For instance, the number of vehicles passing decreases by half when going with the flow from 30 mph to 15 mph, whereas it increases by 150% when going against traffic flow at the same pace. It results in a threefold rise in the volume of traffic.
6. Shorter reaction times:
The motorist and rider have less space and time to respond when the biker is on the wrong side of the road. Even the rider from the wrong direction diminishes his safety options from incoming vehicles. This can lead to confusion and possible collisions.
No matter how urgently you need to reach your destination, skipping the traffic by riding on the wrong side of the road is not a wise and legal thing to do. You will only invite accidents and unwanted problems for yourself by doing so. Rather stay in your lane and patiently wait for the traffic to get cleared than take risks and put others' lives at stake too. Follow the traffic rules and wear a helmet and safety gear for additional protection while riding.
As a responsible biker, you must know all the traffic rules and carry your driving licence and insurance policy before driving your bike. Also, consider getting bike insurance covering everything to protect your bike as much as possible from theft, accidents, and financial loss. You should compare different plans by visiting the websites of different insurance providers and buy the best bike insurance online India that is the right choice for you.
Click HERE to buy reliable bike insurance online India.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.