Riding a motorbike at night is preferred for some people. The reason may be to avoid traffic jams or there is a special sensation when the night wind hits the body. Others may not be able to avoid this because they are forced to come home from work late at night.
Behind it all, of course there are risks and challenges when you are in the habit of motorbikes at night. Safety at night depends essentially on one important thing: visibility. You have to be able to see what's around you and you also have to be visible to other drivers/people.
For those of you who often drive a motorbike at night because of routine or hobbies, consider the five things below that you should be aware of.
1. Lack of Lighting against Obstacles
It is undeniable that there are several major roads and small roads that are still poorly lit. Even though there are vehicle lights, obstacles on the road such as speed bumps, potholes, gravel, sewers or animals crossing the road become less visible at night.
2. Limited Visibility
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2016 stated that the incidence of fatal motorcycle accidents increased after 6 pm due to reduced visibility and heavy traffic during peak hours.
Then, the bright light from other vehicle lights that dazzle the eyes, so that rainstorm conditions also worsen visibility while driving.
3. The Night Wind Can Disturb Health
People who often ride motorbikes late at night are said to get wet lungs, myth or fact?
Reporting from the website of the Yogyakarta Special Region Health Service, on the nose and respiratory tract of humans there is a layer of mucus whose function is to block viruses and bacteria from entering the body. The night air which tends to be colder and drier (than during the day) can make the mucus fluid in the nose and respiratory tract dry, making it difficult to filter germs from entering.
Plus, when the temperature is low, the blood vessels in the nose constrict, so the supply of antibodies in the blood decreases. As a result, the body becomes susceptible to infection with viruses and bacteria.
On the other hand, pneumonia itself is a symptom of another disease when the pleura, the membrane that covers the lungs, is excess fluid. This condition is caused by the spread of the virus through the air or direct contact with an infected person. However, the virus can certainly enter more easily when the mucus in the respiratory tract is dry from breathing in the night air.
So, often riding a motorbike at night causes wet lungs is a myth. Even so, it is undeniable that the night wind can affect the body, especially breathing.
4. Body Condition Fatigue
Be careful, traffic accidents often occur in the early hours of the morning. Accidents in the early morning can be caused by drowsiness due to fatigue, lack of concentration, and not obeying traffic signs.
5. Crime and Drunk Rider
The high number of crime cases at night makes you have to be twice as vigilant when riding a motorbike at night. Criminals such as robbers usually target victims who drive motorbikes alone on deserted roads. Therefore you should choose a path that is bright and crowded.
In addition, you must also be aware of drunk drivers who have the potential to endanger other motorists. According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, cases of traffic accidents involving drunk drivers and motorcyclists tend to occur between 9pm and 3am.
Tips for Safe Driving at Night
Maximizing self-protection and visibility can make motorcycle riders safer at night.
Wear complete attributes, ranging from helmets with SNI, jackets, masks, trousers, shoes, and gloves that have bright and striking colors to increase visibility at night. The next driving tip, make sure you drive in prime condition and not sleepy. For women, as much as possible do not be alone by inviting other friends to ride with you.
Don't forget, it's also important to check the physical condition of the motorbike before driving to minimize the risk of an accident!