PETALING JAYA: Road safety experts have warned that pushing a broken-down motorcycle using a leg while riding alongside it endangers both riders and surrounding traffic if either machine loses control.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Road Safety Research Centre head Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said using a leg to propel another motorcycle carries severe safety risks.
He said it was important to distinguish between helping another rider and carrying out a manoeuvre that poses a safety risk.
Law said assisting others must not interfere with safe motorcycle control or jeopardise the safety of other road users.”
Motorcycles require continuous physical control, and extending a leg severely impairs stability and quick manoeuvring,” Law said.
“If sudden hazards emerge – such as lane-changing vehicles, pedestrians or road debris – riders cannot react effectively.”
“Furthermore, the rider whose motorcycle is aided by another biker faces vulnerability because his motion relies entirely upon the actions of the other rider.
“At slow speeds, any imbalance may lead to tipping over and causing accidents to both motorcycles, which could involve collisions with other road users,” Law added.
Law noted that riding side by side while chatting poses similar dangers, as it narrows available road space and distracts riders from potential hazards.
“Riders engaged in conversations may also be distracted from their surroundings and fail to anticipate hazardous manoeuvres by surrounding traffic or lose situational awareness,” he said.
Law said when riders wish to communicate with each other, they should pull over at a safe space instead of doing so while riding alongside each other.
Malaysian Road and Transportation Safety Association president MD Hairolazaman Muhamed Nor said the strong sense of “brotherhood” among motorcyclists could sometimes lead them to take unnecessary risks when helping fellow riders.
He said while helping a stranded friend was commendable, doing so incorrectly could result in a mishap involving the riders and also other road users.
“Before carrying out any checks or repairs, move the motorcycle completely out of the active traffic lane,” he said.
Hairolazaman also advised riders to avoid stopping at blind spots such as sharp bends, narrow bridges and hill sections where approaching motorists might not see them in time.
He said riders should also make themselves more visible by wearing high-visibility vests, particularly at night or during rain.
“If the motorcycle is equipped with hazard lights, switch them on,” he said, adding that riders should consider using professional towing services through their insurance or highway assistance providers.
He said highway patrol services could also be contacted for assistance.
Hairolazaman also urged riders to avoid common high-risk habits, including speeding through traffic gaps, tailgating, riding one-handed, staring at phone mounts and failing to signal.
