Neil Bravo
Riding at night
I still wonder to this day why some motorcycle drivers put off their lights at night. I have had a lot of near brushes with these types of riders and it’s something that has become a habit if not a misplaced notion.
I was told that the reason why some motorcyclists put off their lamps at night is to extend battery life. Some even told me it saves on gas.
I don’t know where’d they pick up the wrong information but it’s one dangerous mistake which could spell the difference between life and death on the road. If these riders want to scrimp on battery, they should never sacrifice safety for savings.
Who knows, what you save from doing things right could be your own life?
I drove from my hometown the other night. On raining nights like that, the last thing I wouldn’t want to see is a rider putting off his headlamps. Lo and behold, there were around half a dozen of that creature on that raining night. Not that I can help it but I cursed to high heavens at those times when I almost drove through these lamp-shutting riders.
I ask myself in confusion, how on earth can they drive without lights?
So it appears now that it boils down to saving battery or saving lives.
Crazy, isn’t it?
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I am more impressed with the way a group of night-riding bikers who call themselves Davao Da Folding Society or DDS which put safety as an optimum concern. I’ll talk about this group in another column but for now, let me point out that even bicycle enthusiasts do not take safety for granted.
I got this tip from massbike.org and it helps for those who ride their bikes at night.
Reflective or lighted ankle straps, or pedal reflectors: Some pedals come with reflectors. While both types of ankle straps do double duty by keeping your pants away from your dirty chain, lighted ones provide more visibility.
Reflective Clothing: Examples include bicycling-specific jackets with day-glo accents and or a construction worker-style vest. Both will provide the necessary sideways visibility with their neon colors and/or reflective striping.
Other Reflective Accessories: Wheel reflectors, reflective tires, and reflective tape and stickers that can go on almost any part of your bicycle are other options, especially if you might forget a vest or jacket at home. There are also great lights that can be added to your spokes or bike frame that are both a bit more fun and eye catching then traditional wheel reflectors.
Reflective, But Fashionable If you’re afraid of not being quite chic enough, then not to worry! There is a clear reflective spray paint that they produce that can make anything light up.
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Finally, some newly-constructed road projects are already showing cracks or some defects. I don’t know if these projects have been turned over but just reminding that the DPWH should not sleep on this.
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