24 Things You Have To Know When Riding A Motorcycle
Some important things about motorcycles you ideally ought to be aware:
1. You can obtain a B2 motor license upon reaching the age of 16.
2. You can also obtain a B Full (Superbike) license at 16 also.
4. 251c.c. to 500c.c. bikes requires one to get a B1 license.
5. If you already have a D (car) license and you want to get a B2 license, you are then exempted from sitting the Undang-undang or the Highway Code.
6. Should be in possession of a B1 license, and you intend to secure a B Full (500c.c.) license, you will not be required to attend the 6 Hour Theory class to get a B Full license out.
7. The obstacle “bridge” during practical tests conducted by the JPJ must be crossed in no less than 7 seconds.
8. B2 riders possessing “L” license can ride motorcycles by hanging “L” plates infront and at the back of their bikes.
9. “L” plates riders cannot “ferry” passengers on their bikes.
10. All motorcycles should put on their front head lamps and tail lights while riding their machines, day and night.
11. Motorcycle riders have to wear safety helmets while riding.
12. When wearing helmets, it is an offence not to strap your helmets properly.
13. Not having your riding license with you as you ride your bike, is also an offence.
14. Beating the “red” traffic light on a motorbike also represents an “offence”. You can be fined as much as RM300 for it.
16. All motorcycles should have both the right and left hand handle mirrors at all times.
17. “Half helmets” are banned in this country. A police can arrest you if you wear one of them. However, such “helmets” are very popular in America!
18. Wearing ‘slippers” and not shoes, represents an offence too.
19. Ideally, riders are advised to wear “jeans” and “leather jackets” when riding.
20. Riding motorcycles without valid licenses or “road taxes” are also disallowed.
21. A driving license that has been allowed to lapse more than 3 years will automatically be disqualified.
22. Illegal racing by motorcyclists or “merempit” motor contraverse Section 81 of the Road Transport Act 1987. It is a RM 2000 fine. You can also have your license disqualified too.
23. Organising illegal motorcycle races also is against Section 81 of the RTO 1987 too.
24. Also, “spectators” of illegal races can also be charged under the above act as well.
Have a glance at the above 24 or so tips that this writer has given before you enter the computer exam hall. Hopefully, they will go a long way in assisting you pass the Highway Code test, thus reducing the “laments” from readers to this blog post.
Most Countries Insist On The Importance Of Belting Up Children In Vehicles
The Malaysian Association of Standards in its article which appeared very recently, stated that, according to the Malaysian Automobile Association or M.A.A., some 536,905 new vehicles are expected to be registered in Malaysia this year alone, including passenger and commercial ones.
Although, it is compulsory now for front and rear seat passengers to wear seat belts when driving in Malaysia, there is actually no law which makes it mandatory for children to be strapped down when travelling in vehicles with parents and adults.
Before we proceed any further with this article, a “seat belt” may just only be a piece of cloth but remember, this simple invention, does save lives.
The World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention states that more than 1.2 million people die and as many as 50 million people are injured on our roads everyday. It is expected that this figure will rise by about 65% over the next 20 years, if steps are not taken to prevent traffic accidents.
My reading and researches made prior to writing this article, discovered some very interesting and startling facts which I feel should be shared with the blog readers.
Although the Road Transport Ordinance 1987 clearly states that a driver can be charged for non wearing of a seat belt, and can thus be imposed a fine of RM100 (section 119(2)), however, the law is silent on the wearing of a seat belt by children and small babies in Malaysia.
Readers might be surprised, that there are laws, when driving in other countries such as England, Australia, Germany and other European countries, which specifically insists the wearing of seat belts by the young.
In the United Kingdom, seat belts must be worn at all times by front and back passengers. Children under 12, must not sit in front seats. Except for infants or young children in baby or “booster” seats.
In Australia, seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers all the time. In New Zealand, the law says drivers and passengers must wear seat belts or child restraints at all times, in both front and rear seats. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front. They must be seated at the back. This is the regulation in Belgium.
In Finland, the law there says that seat belts are mandatory both at the front and rear seats. If you should be driving in France, do remember all passengers are mandatorily required to wear seat belts. Children under 10 years of age are not allowed to sit in front and must be seated at the rear with a seat belt tightly fastened.
When driving in Germany, drivers are reminded that seat belts are mandatory for passengers sitting both in front and at the back. There exists a fine, for each person not using a seat belt, on the spot.
The rule regarding seat belts in Portugal requires children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front. Unless they are over 150 cm tall. Baby and booster seats are compulsory for children up to 12 years of age.
In Italy, children who are under 4 years of age are not allowed to travel unless they are seated in a child safety seat that has met with safety regulations. Children under 12 years are not allowed to sit in front and must be seated at the back safely fastened.
From my reading with regards to seat belts, most countries seem to make it compulsory for drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Spain, Sweden, Austria, Greece, Ireland and Netherlands, are examples of countries which make it a compulsory ruling to use seat belts.
In my reading on this subject on seat belts, some countries do not seem to mention the use of seat belts in their countries. Most likely, it is therefore assumed that the use of seat belts there, is not compulsory. Countries which fall into this category include China, Indonesia, Israel and Egypt.
Now that you know that most countries make it compulsory for the use of seat belts in vehicles, those in Malaysia, especially the authorities should ponder over this problem very seriously and come up quickly with a ruling to make it mandatory for small children and babies to don seat belts as well.
A reader of this blog, a Mr. Patrick, from Florida state wrote in to tell us that down there, police will not hesitate to issue a summon to anyone who ferries a small child without the use of “baby seats” and strollers. That’s how safety conscious people are in the United State of America.
7 Tips To Prevent Accidents When Balik Kampung For Hari Raya
Preventing accidents during going back home or balik kampung to the towns and villages where one lives, does not depend solely on safety campaigns organized by the authorities alone. During lectures conducted for would be drivers prior to their sitting for the Highway Code exam, I still remember an important topic entitled “Planning One’s Journey” to avoid accidents and mishaps happening.
This article intends to highlight a few things motorists should do prior to their long journey back home. Irregardless of whether you live in Pulau Pinang, Kota Bharu or Johor Baharu, it is imperative that preparations should ideally be made to make your journey back home safe.
Amongst some of the things I feel should be paid due attention are:
1) Condition of your vehicle.
Unless you possess a vehicle that is new or in good mechanical condition, one that would be able to withstand the stress of going through a few hundred kilometers of vigorous, pounding conditions and in all kinds of weather, think twice before embarking on a difficult journey back home to your kampung.
Assuming that you are working in Kuala Lumpur and you would like to make a 250 km journey home to your kampung in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah this forth coming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri celebration, ask yourself one simple question – Is your present vehicle you are using capable of undergoing the tremendous strain it is about to undertake?
Therefore, prior to taking off on such a journey, what should you ideally do? Service your vehicle is my most ardent advise to your.
Ensure first and foremost your vehicle air-con unit is well serviced and provides cool and refreshing air to you and your vehicle will make one a better and safe driver. If will also provide you with a comfortable drive back home.
2) The condition of your brakes.
You have to check your brake oil level and the condition of your brake pads prior to starting off on a long journey back home. Accidents can easily take place if there two items are not in satisfactory conditions. So, take your car to your usual mechanic or workshop to have them look over your brakes. This is one duty you will not regret doing, believe me.
3) The condition of your vehicle tyres.
Experts say, a tyre is considered in good condition if it possesses 60% tyre tread. Anything less that this figure is termed as dangerous. Besides checking on tyre treads, also make it a point to check upon things such as balancing and alignment as well.
If you as a motorist is uncertain about such matters, seek out the assistance of your neighborhood tyre shop to help you.
4) Make sure you have enough money to pay for expenses.
Many motorists, irregardless of whether you believe or not, find that they sometimes have insufficient money to pay for tolls and expenses for drinks and refreshments incurred along the way back home. At times, your vehicle might possibly develop breakdowns.
I once sustained a brake failure breakdown near Batang Kali town a few years ago. With insufficient money in hand, I had to appeal to the mechanic attending me to permit me to go back to Rawang town to get the money required from the ATM machine.
So it is hoped that what has happened to me will not befall you as you travel back home to your beloved home town this coming Hari Raya occasion. Make sure you have enough money with you to deal with any unforeseen problems which might befall you.
5) Do not speed.
As you travel back home to your kampung, keep one important thing in mind. Remember, “Speed Kills”. The maximum speed along our national highway is 90 km/h for state roads while for expressways, the maximum speed is 110 km/h. Although the authorities say no road blocks will be set up this time around, nonetheless, speed traps and photographs will be taken against those who speed. I would like to advise all motorists to keep to a cruising speed, which is as a matter of fact, safer.
6) Check on your spare tyre.
Spare tyres are always important items as one travels back home to your hometown. Make sure that your spare tyres are inflated with air. Spare tyres which have no air in it is of no use should you sustain a tyre puncture along the way back home. So take note of this important advice.
7) Prepare fire extinguishers and medical first aid boxes.
A fire extinguisher, especially a portable one is of utmost importance to a motorist. It should be kept under the front seat of the driver. In such a position, it would be easily assessable to the driver in time of emergencies. Medical first aid boxes should also be made available in any vehicle which is making a journey back home to the place from where one originates.
The above 7 tips represent some of the important things which a motorist has to keep in mind as he drives back home for the forthcoming festive occasion this approaching Hari Raya.
Drive carefully and I hope you will arrive safe and sound to be with your family and loved ones. Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to one and all.
