Even if you have a vehicle of your own, living in some parts of Nigeria, there is the likelihood you would have one time or the other resorted to motorcycle transportation to get to your destination in time. You’d relate if you have been late for a flight, an interview, a first date, or other emergencies.
Also, given the demographics across many cities and rural areas in Africa, motorcycles have become a major means of public transportation, regardless of the consistent emphasis on the risk that comes with using a motorcycle.
In some cases, there is always a debate on who is at fault when accidents occur. Ride-hailing companies such as MAX Okada have heavily invested in the consistent training of riders and making safety a priority. It has also become equally very important for passengers to be aware of their roles in averting the risks associated with motorcycles transportation.
Here are some essential tips you should know when riding as a passenger on a motorcycle:
* Wear a helmet: Helmets are just as important for the passenger as it is for the rider. Wearing a helmet keeps you safe in case of an accident that can lead to head injury. If not too comfortable with the sanitary state of the helmet, you may want to employ services like MAX Okada which beyond maintaining good levels of hygiene with its riders, also provide every passenger with safe disposable hair-nets.
* Wear ankle-covering shoes: When on a motorcycle, your feet are right next to a tire that’s in motion, so as much as you can, it is best to wear ankle-covering shoes to protect you from injuries associated with such.
* Don’t wiggle: It’s extremely important to stay still as much as possible while you’re riding as a passenger. You don’t want the rider to lose balance through frequent movements.
* Sit close to the rider: You should get close within a comfortable range to the back of the rider. You don’t need to be locked on to him; just be close enough.
* Speak louder when talking: If you have something to say to the rider, you’ll need to speak up pretty loud because the rider may find it hard to hear what you’re saying through his helmet and nature’s breeze.
* Help direct the driver: If you have a better idea of where you are going and how to get there, it’s helpful to give the rider directions before the trip begins, especially if you have a preferred route.
* Don’t ride if the motorcycle has no footpegs: If you’re caught in a situation where the motorcycle has no footpegs, do not ride. It is extremely dangerous to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle with no place to put your feet.
* Be on the lookout for danger: You should also be on the lookout for any potential danger around you. You have the advantage to do that because you can look from side to side. Be the co-pilot, this could make all the difference.
* Let the rider know if you’re uncomfortable: If you become uncomfortable on the motorcycle, probably, as a result of the rider’s skills or some other reasons, you should endeavour to let the rider know.
* Be wary of whom you ride with: If you are simply uncomfortable with the person you’d be riding with, do not ride with them. If you know the rider is reckless, or probably smelling of alcohol, don’t take any chances.
* Use a reliable bike-hailing service like MAX Okada: At the core of its values is ‘Safety’. Rigorous training, grooming, and personal hygiene all give rise to the most comfortable experience. MAX Okada tops the industry and has consistently reported a proven safety score that tops all formal and informal competition. The safety and security of all our passengers and champions are of utmost importance.
