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8 tips to maintain safety while riding with a pillion rider

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Two-wheelers are amazingly efficient and economical when it comes to transporting one or two people over short or long distances. And the second person who rides the two-wheeler on the seat behind the driver is known as the pillion rider. Now, though it is quite common to ride with a pillion, whether you are dropping them off somewhere or heading to the same destination, there are a few safety tips you must always keep in mind. Also make sure you get comprehensive bike insurance, so that in case of an unforeseen event, you don’t experience a financial setback.

Tips for safe riding with a pillion

1. Always make your pillion wear a helmet:

Not more than two people are allowed to ride a two-wheeler at one time, and it is also important that both riders wear an ISI mark helmet when riding. Riding with a pillion without a helmet can invite a challan if you get caught by the traffic police. The challan of riding without a helmet is now Rs 1000. Moreover, you will be putting your own as well as the pillion rider’s life at risk.

2. Always carry proper documentation:

When you are riding a two-wheeler, you are required to carry a set of mandatory documents. If the police catch you riding without these papers, you might be subjected to heavy challans and even jail time.

These documents are:

a. Your driving license, to prove that you are authorised to drive a vehicle legally in India.

b. A valid registration certificate of your two-wheeler.

c. At least a third-party liability insurance policy, though a comprehensive bike insurancepolicyis recommended strongly for better coverage.

d. A Pollution Under Control certificate if your two-wheeler uses an internal combustion engine. PUC is not required for electric two-wheelers.

3. Both riders should concentrate on the road:

India has a big problem related to road safety. As a result,the country witnesses a very large number of road accidents. As a responsible driver and pillion rider, it is extremely important for both of you to concentrate on the road. Since the pillion can focus better on the road and avoid the hassle of actually riding and balancing the two-wheeler, the overall safety levelcan go up by a significant margin.

4. Pillion riders must stay alert and awake always:

In cars,people riding in the back seat have the luxury to catch a nap. This is because it does not impact the concentration of the driver nor does it cause any unnecessary shift in the weight and balance of the vehicle. But it is not so in case of two-wheelers. If your pillionfalls asleep, they will lose their own balance and cause the two-wheeler to lose its balance too.

5. Pillion riders must avoid any unnecessary movement:

Your pillion ridermight sometimes feel uncomfortable or need to adjust themselves. But they must avoid any unnecessary motion unless the two-wheeler is stopped. Any unwanted movement by the pillion can impact the concentration of the driver and cause the two-wheeler to lose its balance.

6. Pillion riders must avoid talking or distracting the driver unless necessary:

Remember that the person driving the two-wheeler needs to multitask. You need to focus on the road as well as balance the vehicle. Any unnecessary distractioncan cause you to lose concentration and lead to an accident.

7. Pillion riders must not lean or put their weight on the driver:

Make sure your pillion rider doesn’t lean on you as it can cause you to lose your own balance as well as the control of the vehicle.

8. Pillion riders must keep their foot and leg at a safe distance from the two-wheeler exhaust:

The exhaust pipe is extremely hot, and even a slight contact can cause severe skin burns. This risk is higher if the pillion is not wearing clothing that covers the leg or foot where it touches the exhaust.To wrap up, keep the above pointers in mind while riding with a pillion, and stay safe. And keep a comprehensive bike insurance policy handy,so that it can pay for repairs or replacements in case your bike meets with an accident.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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