Contemplating a solo road trip? Being a female has its own challenges especially when you’re trying to explore the world alone without the safety net of somebody present with you at all times. Thankfully, the world has come to accept that women are as independent as their male counterparts and though there are a few chauvinists left, it has become increasingly more conducive for women riders to explore the world without any fear or concern of being targeted for their gender. Nevertheless, if this is your first time, keep these 10 safety tips in mind.
1. Always keep family informed
Keeping somebody in the loop at all times is extremely important simply because of the fact that if you ever get into trouble they will know where your last location was and send help to find you. One way to do that is to fix a specific time after day to call home and let them know about your upcoming plans. We also strongly recommend that you share photographs of the place that you are staying in along with name plates and identifiable markers so that it becomes easier for people to find you if that becomes necessary. However, we strongly believe that you should not post those photographs on social media within 24 hours of your being at that location because you may become the target of nefarious individuals. Post photographs on social media of a location only after you’ve left that location.
2. Install a GPS tracker on your motorcycle
Installing GPS tracker on your motorcycle search multiple purposes. First at lets you know where your motorcycle is at the moment, and Secondly other people can also track you as well as your motorcycle in case you become lost. There are GPS tracking applications an equipment which can be used remotely, which makes a simple for people back home to know of your exact location thereby giving them Peace of Mind as well as a tangible Proof of your presence at a certain location. Checkout aftermarket options and install a good quality GPS tracker on your motorcycle that gives you the option of tracking the motorcycle remotely.
3. Don’t eat or drink anything from strangers
This might sound like a child as advice that parents kept or small children, but is all of the most neglected but crucially important advice that every solo motorcycle rider irrespective of their gender, must follow! Never make the mistake of eating or drinking anything from strangers especially at a strange place because there might be something mixed in it which will knock you unconscious! Gently turn down the offer of a drink or a food item from strangers. If necessary, say that you have health condition that prevents you from eating anything that is not homemade. You may not see the person mixing anything in your drink or food directly in front of you, but there might be other participants in the scan who could do it behind your eyes. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Dine alone
While staying at a foreign destination, you may come across riders and tourists from your own location and they might invite you to have dinner with them, but that might not be a good idea especially if those people are not real tourist but scammers! You might be forced to pay a huge bill or even worse, become victim of a theft. Many new motorcyclists lose their motorcycles under such circumstances when a few people distract them over a meal, while their partners steal the motorcycle. If you consider having a meal with someone you do not know properly, make it really clear that you wish to split the bill equally and also that there are no other strings attached with having the meal.
5. Dress poor
Tourists become the target of scams because they flaunt their wealth with expensive dresses and accessories. Always dress like the local people and keep it really down to earth and subdued so that you do not draw any attention to yourself. In certain places, women are expected to use headgear irrespective of whether you are a local order tourist. Make sure to know of such traditions and cultural nuances before arriving at the destination. If you plan to meet someone important at the destination and you want to dress properly, consider booking a cab rather than riding your motorcycle for that occasion.
6. Use public transport if necessary (avoid cabs)
Riding a motorcycle is very convenient as well as the most affordable way of exploring a foreign destination. Always make sure to use the proper motorcycle riding gear such as a best quality branded motorcycle helmet as well as jackets and gloves while riding a motorcycle to stay safe. However, it is not necessary that you always use your own motorcycle for commutes. Under certain circumstances, it might be more convenient and safer to use public transportations for inter-city or inter-state travels. if you are planning to use public transport, always make sure to know of the dangers of being inside the closed compartment with strangers especially in crowded cities and towns across the world. They are specifically designated compartments for women so make sure that you find yourself in those ‘women-compartments’ rather than jostling with the crowd in a general compartment. In most countries across Southeast Asia the risk of molestation in a public transport is always present. So, you need to probably think out the pros and cons of using your own motorcycle versus taking public transportation and then pick the safest option for you.
7. Carry personal safety equipment
Always keep pepper spray another personal safety equipment with you handy at all times. You never know when you might come across the need for using a pepper spray or another personal safety accessory to safeguard yourself against somebody trying to harm you. having good presence of mind is another important skill that cannot be taught but it can be developed which can make a difference of life and death in certain situations.
8. Get indoors by sunset
When you are travelling to airport destination, by cognizant of the fact that the safety and security of that place might not be as robust as your own native download set a full stop every place on the world map is different sociologically as well as politically. Because of these reasons, safety is a variable factor and you should never take anything for granted. Reading a few positive reviews about the women safety aspect of a particular location online might not be the true and comprehensive representation of the actual status on the ground. So, never make the mistake of staying outdoors late after sunset. We highly recommended you and that is right within 6:00 PM so that you have a couple of hours to settle down in the hotel room and prepare yourself for the days ride ahead.
9. Keep important documents locked
When you’re at the foreign destination, your safety depends a lot on your ability to prove the legitimacy of your presence at that place. and for that, you are going to need all of your identity and verification documents. God forbid if you happen to lose those documents, you may face imprisonment or even words. Never make the mistake of keeping original documents in one single place. Strongly recommend that you make digital copies of every important document and show those to law enforcement officials on your mobile phone if they ask for it. Share a copy of all of these important documents with somebody you trust back home for safe keeping. However, officials may insist on seeing the original copy, which is why you need to carry them with you when you’re travelling. Keep these copies safe under lock to prevent theft.
10. Hidden pockets and compartments
When it comes to carrying cash for your day-to-day transactions, keep only a limited amount with you and prefer to pay with a credit card which is much safer because you can immediately block the credit card if it gets stolen. However, in certain conditions cash is the only currency of transaction and there’s no other way around it. Keeping cash safe on your body can be done by wearing a jacket with multiple hidden compartments and pockets.
SMK Helmets 