Tips to keep Riders safe while driving at night
Facing death every night
According to unconfirmed reports, delivery bike riders are facing a new and deadly threat on the roads. Recently, medics have responded to several incidents where riders were killed while on deliveries. It is believed criminals are positioning thin cables across roadways slightly above shoulder level which causes severe injuries, and often death, to riders passing through these areas.
“Riders need to be made aware of the increased danger faced while on duty."
- Avoid dimly lit areas wherever possible – even if an alternative route is longer take the extra time (and safety) this route offers.
- Adjust your speed. Avoid speeding and slow down even more in a dimly lit or high-crime areas to increase your chance of seeing wires or other obstacles.
- Ride behind vehicles. Criminals leave the wire un-tensioned while four-wheel vehicles pass and wait until the bike comes before they ‘stretch’ it across the riders’ path. Travelling behind a vehicle provides an extra degree of safety and should the driver see something and consequently react to it, this can be a warning something ahead is amiss.
- Avoid a one-track mind. Do not place all your concentration on getting to your destination as quickly as possible but rather as safely as possible. In other words, as soon as you are on the road be aware of what is around you and of potential dangers lurking ahead.
- If you notice something, say something. If you see suspicious people along the roadside or have a near-miss encounter alert authorities immediately.
- Undertake training. This helps increase awareness levels and builds your ability to take evasive action.
- Be roadworthy. Dim lights or tyres in disrepair can make the difference in a life-or-death situation.
Along with riders protecting their personal safety, organisations making use of these riders also need to take this threat seriously.
Information provided by the publicist
