5 Safety Tips for Pillion Riders

What is Pillion Rider?

A pillion rider or pillion driver is an individual who travels in the back seat or behind the leading rider or driver of a two-wheeler. In India, this is commonly known as a passenger, co-passenger, or pillion passenger.

5 Pillion Rider Safety Tips

Follow the tips below to ensure your and your co-passenger's safety during long rides. You must also have your vehicle covered by a two wheeler insurance, which covers your bike or scooter against any unforeseen circumstances on the road.

1. Drive Safely

   You must be confident in your riding skills before you ride with a pillion. When an adult is in the backseat, their added weight impacts the braking, acceleration, and suspension. Your bike should have passenger foot pegs for the pillion rider so that they can rest their feet.

   Also, when acceleration is out of control, your bike brakes should be working correctly and able to handle the weight of an adult in the back. Ensure you have practised enough before heading out on a long road trip with a pillion rider.

2. Avoid Unwanted Movements

   Every biker should acquaint their co-passengers with some basic riding rules. They should avoid leaning forward because the rider's weight is shifted to the front, making it difficult to turn at sharp corners.

   Moreover, this activity increases the chances of an accident. Also, ask your pillion rider to avoid dismounting from the bike unless it is at a complete halt and you have both your feet on the ground.

   Other than these, ask your pillion to follow these safety tips to avoid unwanted movements and ensure safety:

   • Avoid moving unnecessary movements while you are in the back seat
   • Do not poke or nudge the rider; instead, convey through vocal communication while riding
   • Sit straight without putting pressure on the rider
   • Stay aware and awake. Do not doze off; it can create unwanted disturbances during the journey.

3. Equip with Safety Gears

   Make sure to wear the right protective gear even when you travel to nearby places. Here are some general tips to ensure safety for pillion riders using protective gear:

   • Wear an ISI-certified helmet always.
   • Closely fitted clothes and boots are preferable.
   • Thermals during winters or foggy days.
   • Wear goggles to protect your eyes from dirt, dust, grit, and intense sun rays.

4. Know the Basics

   Most people are unaware of the safety measures that need to be followed as a pillion rider. Here are some of the basics that you have to adopt to make your journey safe and enjoyable:

   • Balancing
     Every vehicle driver should acquaint their co-passengers with some basic bike riding rules. One thing that they need to be careful of is never leaning backwards.When a pillion does so, the entire weight is shifted backwards, making it difficult for the rider to ride on the road, increasing the chances of an accident.
   • Getting on the Bike
     One of the most essential things you need to take care of is that your pillion should hop on the bike when you are ready to ride. Keep the passenger pegs down and then ask the pillion rider to mount on it from the non-muffler side. As a rider, you should have control over the bike and keep it upright so that the rider can fit comfortably.
   • Turning
     Your pillion rider's slightest movements will impact how your bike runs and feels on the turns. If they lean on the opposite side of the direction in which your bike is turning, this will be an imbalance. Ultimately, it can lead to your bike falling.Therefore, telling your pillion in advance is imperative to avoid leaning and to sit straight while taking turns.
   • Hold the Rider Tightly
     Ask your passenger to hold you tight. If you lose grip, the pillion can fall or dash you in case of a sudden stop or brake.
     One of the common mistakes most pillion riders make is holding on to the driver's clothes, which makes the ride even more uncomfortable.
   • Always Stay Alert and Active
     One of the most essential tips is to stay alert during the ride.As a pillion, you should hop on the bike when the rider is ready to drive. Always remain alert and sit comfortably so the rider can control the bike.

5. Buy Pillion Rider Cover with Your Bike Insurance Policy

   Apart from the tips above, you should insure your bike with a comprehensive bike insurance policy. This policy gives you financial coverage if your vehicle is damaged in an unforeseen instance, such as an accident.

   Also, having third-party bike insurance policy is mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act in India. However, you can buy pillion rider cover insurance for your passengers' extensive protection. It gives financial coverage for the loss or damage caused to the pillion rider during a mishap. It is an add-on cover that protects the pillion rider in case of accidental death, injury, or permanent/partial disability.

In a Nutshell

Being cautious when driving a bike is essential, but you must be extra careful if driving with a co-passenger in your backseat. Any damage or injury suffered by the co-passenger can increase your liability; therefore, you need to be sure about the safety of your pillion. You can incorporate the tips mentioned above to help you keep yourself and your co-passenger safe during the travel.