Are You A Skilled Driver/Rider? (Shouldn't You Be?) | Spark

In a previous video, Shumi asked "Can you drive?" in the context of crash safety and the discussion that followed has been a bit strange. On Spark, Shumi explains how safety works from you outwards, and there's a lot you can do before you get to rely on the equipment's passive safety.
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MotorInc Spark is an unscripted, very lightly edited discussion which focusses on things that we believe are worth thinking about. Personal things, important things.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 Lets Talk Safety
00:59 Your Role in the Crash
02:35 You Are In Control
03:27 Why Wear Helmets?
04:27 Your Skill Matters
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#MotorInc #MotorIncSpark #CrashTest #CrashTestRatings #GlobalNCAP #BetterRiding #BetterDriving #Think #Spark #Ignition

[@jovinlobo]

I am telling you Shumi is the Master Oogway of the motoring world. "There are no accidents, there is only lack of situational awareness"

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@Swagat_kP]

If somone hits your vehicle from behind, then that's also your lack of situational awareness isn't it ??? 😑

[@codingwithk5725]

@@Swagat_kP That guy's lack of situational awareness

[@jovinlobo]

@@Swagat_kP yes. You have rear view mirrors and you usually get a sense of how the vehicle is approaching.

[@Swagat_kP]

​​@@jovinlobo Don't be Foolish. Be practical, just don't write anything illogical to prove someone' else's point... It's highly unlikely of anyone to look in the rear view mirror just to check if someone might hit while the bike is stagnant...

[@ragingofthpineaple]

That went from a driving/riding lesson to a substantially important life lesson real quick. Good job MotorInc!

[@motorinc]

Glad you liked it! Thank you ragingofthepineaple!

[@udayshome1793]

For sure, for sure.

[@Amandeepgahlot]

to add to this well thought out opinion, it's imperative that a driver/rider does not assume that the other parties will do their bit. People who lack skill, disregard rules, are distracted and sometimes just plain stupid often start a chain reaction which can seriously affect our lives. I for once never underestimate the sheer stupidity and lack of concern for self preservation of people around me on the road. Keeps me alert. Keeps me safe.

[@motorinc]

Indeed!

[@JayPrakash-th4rd]

I never consider myself as a skilled rider as I really believe my riding skills are not tested in all terrains and scenarios . Being aware of not been skilled is a blessing as I'm always open for suggestion on how to improve . I think the key is building peripheral awareness (especially in India lol) of skills you possess based on your own real life experience rest is intuition and muscle memory !

[@motorinc]

Well said!

[@4p00rv]

Well said , with most people it's more of an egoistic nature while riding/driving.

[@sushantjain7069]

Well written and beautifully articulated...The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings and your own abilities and limitations, as well as your machine’s. Simple actions like staying away from the cars parked on the left that might open their doors suddenly, looking at the mirrors before switching lanes, keeping enough distance from the front vehicle to avoid sudden lane changes in case of emergency stops, and signaling every time you change lanes can help you a lot in staying safe.

[@suryateja2k11]

Such simple things to do while driving yet we lack patience.

[@motorinc]

Yes. Giving yourself space is a massive skill. Takes a while to learn and it's a lifesaver!

[@suryateja2k11]

@@motorinc 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@dr.pushpakmali5261]

We indians just lack the civic sense.

[@RC-br1ps]

Pertinent topic. Thank you for thinking out of the box.

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@parthibanarivalagan3119]

I feel It’s well inside the box !

[@N0tTh3Pr0]

Probably the most important subject, articulated in such a brief yet, impactful way. A masterclass from Shumi and MotorInc team. Thank you. My way of bettering my skills is just considering the FACT that I have very little idea how to drive or ride, be open to new experiences either better or worse and reflect on them once the moment has passed. You cannot learn if you believe the lie that you know everything, even if you do know everything, there will be something that the world always goes out of its way to teach you. The intensity/harshness of the lesson is proportional to your thick headedness.. So be careful, mindful and to top it all of, have fun.

[@motorinc]

Spot on! Thanks NotThePro!

[@akashdeepnandi]

Speaks my heart out. I am told I am too paranoid on every turn, intersections, junctions. But I believe being cautious on a road is essential to keep you and people around you safe. Indian roads are chaos for sure, but if you are aware of your surroundings then this becomes controlled chaos. 🎉

[@jugalgadhavi]

You know, this is not just a motoring advice, this is a life advice, whenever you have a bad situation on your hand, you most likely cope on it by silently blaming the situation that led to it (like I didn't get a project because my teammates were not performing even though I was but as a team we performed poorly), we can cope all we want but it's not gonna get better unless and until the ray of self reflection hits our brain and we realise, even though it wasn't our fault, there were soo many things that we could have done which could have avoided the bad situation, as you said, you cannot predict a car coming wrong way on the highway, but its better to brake from 90kmph than to brake from 140kmph. Solid advice not just for motoring, but for life too

[@motorinc]

Spot on! What a great way to apply this idea to life itself! Thanks Jugal!

[@udaysingh9_11]

You know you really spoke every single point that I tell my friends and family. Glad you're bringing this level of awareness to a lot of audience. ❤

[@motorinc]

Thanks for sharing!! Glad we can help!

[@BinilPB]

The funny thing is the people who asks 'if the safety features are not important why you wear helmet' question are the same people who doesn't wear a helmet while riding or wear seat belt while driving .

[@angshudasgupta4526]

This. Thank you for using your platform to make this point. We ride motorcycles knowing that it could kill us. Ergo, we need to have the skills to get us out of bad situations, and the wisdom to stay out of those situations in the first place. This still leaves room for loads of fun and excitement, as long as you become the best rider you can be.

[@motorinc]

So well put! Thanks Angshu!

[@akshayaglaawe5933]

Hello Motorinc team..pl arrange something like live q&a sessions too so that interactions will feel more productive

[@motorinc]

Suggestion noted!

[@suryateja2k11]

That's a very good suggestion bro. Spot on! I never had this idea! 🤔

[@hrushikeshpentewad1254]

Being a serious and responsible rider I totally agree with you on what all you have said, you'll be in shock to know that most riders don't wear helmet because it doesn't give them feel and don't feel masculine enough to ride with helmet on. Since then I've decided to agree whatever the crap these kind of people say, saying you're the boss man as there in no point in invest valuable time explaining them this basis thing. Don't know about cars but coming from experience person like you would agree on cars front too. Great video, as always.👍

[@motorinc]

Thanks Hrushikesh!

[@danishgarg]

Isn't buying a safe car also in our own hands? Safety and security is all about layers. What's foolish is to question the extra layer of safety when it's not taking anything away except maybe some flashy features

[@motorinc]

Yes it is! Just remember that it's the _last_ line of defence that is being marketed to you as the _first._

[@deepjyotiofficial6242]

Shumi here wants to say most accidents can be avoidable if you are aware of the situation and in correct speed and have the required skillset to counter whatever is thrown to you. A SAFER CAR WILL HELP YOU IN THE CRASH BUT A SAFER DRIVER WILL NOT CRASH or avoid crashing

[@panchalbaruah9238]

5*s isn't a get out of jail free card. I know someone who had life altering injuries in a 5* car while the Bolero a 0 star car he crashed into got away with literally no injuries.

[@nupurkrishna]

As a female driver, I've had men who've tried to bully me off the road or to race me just because. Over the years 've learnt to account for grown men with childish egos in my driving. Many of my friends (all men) think I drive too defensively, letting the other person get ahead even when I had the right of way. But I know that both my car and my life is too precious for me to skittle it away just for a bit of dominance on Indian roads.

[@csmnpil]

To the point, crisp. Every sentence knocks on your senses, reminding you, enlightening your next thought/action. Superb.

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@abhijithmadhav3513]

A case of much ado about nothing unfortunately. Don't mean to be a troll. Just trying to keep everybody honest here

[@motorinc]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@nischalk1336]

Shumi is a proper con artist. Just cause you speak in a convincing manner, it doesn't make your statements sensible. I quote him in his insta reel 'You can make do with a poorly rated car if you know how to drive, and the safety rating cannot be that big a consideration' It's definitely true that your driving/riding skills is the most important thing to avoid a crash. But the fact is, even the best of the best drivers in the world can crash, nobody is perfect. And in india, everything is unpredictable. What if the brakes fail and a truck comes hurling at you? What if someone is driving wrong side at high speeds? What if some street dog suddenly jumps across the road, there are tons of crashes where speeding cars jump across the divider and hit the oncoming traffic. In that case, a safe vs unsafe car would make the difference between life and death for you. So the most sensible advice is buy a safe car and learn how to drive properly. You should NOT make do with an unsafe car just because some youtuber said so.

[@motorinc]

You disagreeing with us and opening that with an accusation, Nischalk, _that's rude._ We strongly suggest you edit your comment. Just take the first 6 words off. As to your argument. First: look up at the last MoRTH India accident reports. You will find that the majority of the crashes, across classes, are caused by driver/rider error. The probability of mechanical failure - your first example - is globally minimal, and falling. Second: Shumi did say at the start that finding the safest car is a logical choice. Maybe you missed that. What he also said, multiple places, is that reading safety as a x-star crash test rating is taking something seriously but not reading enough about it - this is true for most people who gravitate to the 5-star rating. They forget, for example, that _all cars_ are crash tested and they must pass that test to go on sale. Third, your skill is part of the active safety system and every single safety system designs that as the primary and the passive systems as your backup. When you go touring, or trekking etc, you do take backups seriously, but not more seriously than your primaries. No one is asking you to take the backup frivolously, but preventing accidents is far more useful as a way of thinking than being safe while you go through one.

[@venkateshanantharaman6773]

The OP must be wearing helmet and other safety gears in a 5 star car along with co-passengers to make it more safe apparently😂😂 than learn driving

[@rohanth17]

i could absolutely relate to every point mentioned by shumi, as i had quite a deadly close call because of a unethical driver cutting me off at 80kmph on my gt 650 and i could say i had handled that incident quite well instead of just slamming on to my breaks and blaming the driver if i crashed into the car, instead me trying to evade into the tiny space had saved me and my brand new bike, thanks shumi for making such clear word about such topics, we need more creators like you!

[@siddharthralph3759]

I love consuming content that makes you think further, I love motor inc for that very reason. You guys never present anything as an open and shut case, you always leave breathing room that enables people to get to their own subjective opinions. ❤

[@priyanks91]

Beautiful ! I know we're talking automotive, but sit aware plays a huge role also when I'm cycling. And that's when i feel the most vulnerable.

[@motorinc]

Well said! Cycling has the most vulnerable of traffic users for sure!

[@AUM_kar]

A much-needed video indeed! We've been having the same discussion for a while now, and this video has put a lot of things into perspective. Our friend, one of the finest riders/drivers I know, recently met with an accident. Thankfully, he got away with minor scratches, but the reason for the accident was that he was preoccupied with a lot of thoughts and had lost sense of his surroundings. In such scenarios, what gear you wear or what car/bike you drive becomes secondary. What's more important is how well you drive to keep yourself safe on the roads. Thank you for this one, will be sharing with everyone!

[@motorinc]

Concentration is a skill too! Great point Aum_kar!

[@theinsanity522]

This is a topic really close to my heart, and I'm glad you elaborated on this. I have a really good brake and suspension setup on my scooter and it sometimes encourages me to ride harder since I know I would be able to come to a halt easily and keep the scooter in control, but I know that the city streets are absolutely filled with surprise and an unexpected rider or driver can pop up anytime in front of me. This kept me in edge and I could not enjoy the ride at all. Now, I just keep my pace only to what is required and I make sure I'm aware of the surroundings, thus ensuring that I don't have to be worried about unexpected surprises. I am now able to ride calm and enjoy every short trip

[@motorinc]

Good plan @theinsanity522! Staying calm is literally half the job done!

[@hskris]

This is beyond auto journalism…u guys are literally giving master class for existing & upcoming enthusiasts 👍 as always, keep up the good work!

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@siddharthdutta2111]

One of the things that I focused on while learning to drive was the very same aspect that you have narrated in this video, and I agree, learning to practice the Situational Awareness has made me a better person, both when I am driving and also in daily life, it is a life skill that everyone must be aware of and practice, for example, on the highway, I take note of the other driver's trajectory and try to permutate the future trajectory one can go into, and accordingly, I amend my driving speeds, lanes, etc. Thanks for creating the video, this is something we all think about at all times while being on road, but no one actually talks about it.

[@motorinc]

Yes! Predicting is a great outcome of thinking about what you are seeing for sure!

[@maker-manindia6889]

Thank you so much for this video motorinc and shumi.. I love the way shumi and the team puts these videos together. 😊

[@motorinc]

Our pleasure!

[@TonyTheTruthWhisperer]

Brother, you and Karthic put out some fine content and your channel is easily in my favourite top 5 moto channels across the globe. Thank you for all the wonderful and informative videos, espically the reviews. I greatly enjoy your technical discussions with Karthic as well. Please air more of those, they are captivating and a pleasure to listen to. Cheers.

[@motorinc]

Hey TTTW! Thanks so much for saying that out loud! Means a lot!

[@pasupuletinitishsai3696]

I like how this can be applied not just to riding/driving but living as well.

[@suhasbharadwaj3645]

Fantastic content as usual. Defensive riding is the key. Your predictability of the situation on the road is what minimises the risk of a crash. 'I did everything right, the other party is in the wrong' argument will not prevent a crash.

[@motorinc]

♥️ Spot on!

[@aakashchoudhuri]

This definitely unlocks an altogether new dimension of thought process in my head. And I too have thought somehow in a similar manner, but couldn't collectively deliver my version to the 5 star safety conscious folks in my friend circle. Thanks for this @Shumi... Atleast the intellectuals will think and try to incorporate it, thereby doing their part in creation of a safer ecosystem to drive/ride.

[@motorinc]

Same page Aakash!

[@puruu]

This is the most thought out and visually appealing motor channel. Only moto channel i ever subscribed.

[@motorinc]

Thank you so much @puruu! Good to have you with us. And we're thrilled you're enjoying the MotorInc experience!

[@rpawankumar]

Certainly, this information is quite valuable and timely. Particularly when embarking on lengthy journeys, the before day night, I make it a point to thoroughly evaluate my driving safety and route analysis both in terms of my car and my bike. I meticulously analyze all potential scenarios that may arise and devise appropriate strategies to address each one incase if arrives. 😊

[@1976unni]

Well i guess you nailed it shumi. Situational awareness is the key. It is also something that's always on my mind on a natural way. The first bike crash I had was with someone who was coming in from the wrong side of the road. I slammed the front brake (only) and I landed on the right side, the other guy just passed by. The situational awareness with me is so much (unconsciously) that it takes away so much away from the ride flow, so it's the other way round. Most of it is peeping on the rear mirrors more than what is needed, however what it has done is I have remained mostly a safer driver. I also try and see further down the horizon and keep an eye for longer speed (neck) breakers, potholes etc. It was a very conscious way of drive that I fitted into early on and it is something that now is second nature.

[@MohdSameer-jw3ti]

As always well said, there are always lessons to be learned in all kind of road incidents 👌

[@shadowfox2938]

Wonderfully put together all of the points. ❤️ed it. There is always a chance of crashing and it is a tad bit better to crash with gear rather than without.

[@motorinc]

💯

[@sidharthamohanrao6630]

Thank you for touching on this all important retrospective analysis 👍 Sometimes called 1. risk assessment/analysis 2. Accident / Incident investigation And 3. Root cause analysis

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@ulhas16]

A good way to start my rather dull Thursday, Shumi I liked how this slowly graduated from motorcycling advice to life advice. Afterall, whats one without the other.

[@motorinc]

Absolutely! Glad we helped!

[@odorlessflavorless]

I had a crash with a pillion on a motorbike a few months back and the first thought after crashing was how did the other guy without an indication simply veer to the left to take an exit and simply ignored that I was parallel to him ! That very evening, the exact same questions cropped up in my head which Shumi mentions here. I realised I should have never rode parallel to the guy , should have been extra careful given an exit was coming up on the left and was equalli guilty of riding a little too fast. Luckily the crash was a low speed one with brakes already applied but it did bring to the fore the very important aspect of always being situationally aware when on the road. We as a population have become used to outsourcing responsibilities to others in most things, for safety of the self, this does not work and should not be the case ! After all, the consequences of outsourcing our own safety are borne by self and not by others. Cheers Shumi for bringing up this aspect of thinking when on the road !

[@motorinc]

Glad you're okay and good job with working out what all you could have changed to alter the outcome too! Nicely done, odorlesslfavorless!

[@anchitlalwani1]

Even if you took care of that 1 guy The other guy from the right veers and hits you or a dog came from nowhere too and hits you Dude You need a structural safe car. I'm shocked the amount of misinformation schumi is spreading. Dude even after all the situational awareness accident may happen! And it might even be your own brakes or accelerator suddenly getting jammed.You would rather be in the structural safe car and not a "rating rating car" and the dog is not the point

[@neerajs75]

An extremely important and thought provoking video, Shumi. The more we talk about and normalise safe driving and safety, better it is for us all. As a society we have a long way to go but change happens and starts with one person that is 'you'/'me'.

[@motorinc]

💯💯💯

[@ShubhamShrikantJoshi]

These videos are really necessary and would request you to please upload more like these.

[@motorinc]

Can do! Thanks Shubham!

[@sanjeevdm]

Great and a very relevant video. One hopes that people watching this, digest the contents and spread its message.

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@user-gv1yg8ym7m]

Very useful and informative thought, thank you for sharing. Situational awareness is far more effective than passive safety and most accidents happen to people who become less aware because of their familiarity of their residential area. Riding or driving can never be mastered because the situations are always dynamic.

[@motorinc]

Yes! This is so true! There are accident studies that say this is statistically true too!

[@TalkingPointblank]

This is a conversation which needs to be far more mainstream and discussed widely. Thanks for raising this conversation and hope you take it further. Honestly shumi more respect to you. 😊

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@alecdeverell4347]

I like the message in this video. Hope it creates the awareness and realisation its intended for 👍🏼👍🏼

[@motorinc]

Thanks Alec!

[@ajinkyak9999]

Awesome! This piece of advice must be made mandatory in all driving/riding schools.

[@motorinc]

Indeed! Thanks Ajinkya!

[@mohdaslam-lc3du]

Topic that gets riders/drivers uncomfortable but very much true. Learned a lot after my first crash and really undestood what shumi said... awareness is the key to survice specially with driving conditions here

[@shashankmishra9665]

I bought my KTM RC200 back in 2017, started to engine brake and can’t emphasise enough on how it has helped me on countless occasions. It has been such a boon to have such a skill in my muscle memory. Great Video

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@rssadh]

Today while I was riding on my way to work, a stopped scooty in front of me U-turned suddenly without checking who's coming from behind. Luckily I was having a little gap left to sway my bike at 30 KPH avoiding that crash. Thing is I was watching that scooty from behind for some seconds and intuitively understood that I should maintain some gap as I sensed something wrong. This comes with experience I'd say. Always be pessimistic while driving!

[@motorinc]

Yes! That 'sixth' sense isn't magic. It comes from riding a lot and subliminally learning to spot a pattern. And it absolutely works if you listen to a gut feeling that you should be slower here, today of all days, or faster there.

[@cyrusakathevirus]

So thoughtful ❤ given me a different perspective on this. Amazing.

[@motorinc]

Glad we can help!

[@AdrishDutta]

Thank you so much for this lovely video.

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@YadullahAbidi]

Came for riding advice, left with life advice. Y'all nailed it.

[@boncyraju1004]

Glad to hear this topic. I personally had 3 accidents wherein at first glance the accidents were caused by somebody else. After the accidents I have analysed what I could have done. Each experience have taught me to focus on myself.

[@motorinc]

💯

[@rockleefiltu]

It's been 2 months since I started considering which car to buy as I just got my LL. All I've been thinking about is safety star ratings & features.. Your comment "Can you drive?" got me thinking It's been a week with my new Kia Sonet GTX+ 2024 & I am loving it. Thank you.

[@motorinc]

Congratulations Rockleefitu!

[@kshitijpandey6514]

Thanks for these heads up guys It really helps Just was applying for my LL today Thank you so much

[@motorinc]

♥️ Best of luck Kshitij!

[@kshitijpandey6514]

@motorinc Thanks guys 💙

[@Shashank_0983]

Thank you sir this topic was needed to be discussed...as a begginer i found it very helpful...❤

[@motorinc]

Glad to hear that! Best of luck @shashank_0982!

[@xstprasanna]

This hit me hard and deep! This is not just driving/riding advice.

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@SathishKumar-pq2cz]

This is definitely a great thought. Always think about what is gone wrong.👍🏻

[@motorinc]

Not just what's gone wrong - what did _I_ do to contribute to what went wrong. That's the key.

[@SathishKumar-pq2cz]

@@motorinc yep

[@gp_here]

Awesome advice Shumi!! True, replaying our accidents often tell us of the many inclinations we might have had of what could happen or the many times we perhaps ignored a risk that cost us later on. While I’ve missed the exact controversy on crash test ratings, valuing our life and experience also mean adding a mix of active and passive safety options to our ride so that we avoid partial or full consequences of a future event. It’s just like take health insurance even though you maybe leading a healthy life 😅

[@motorinc]

What Shumi's saying is not that you shouldn't get the safest car you can. Shumi's saying the crash test rating is being sold to you as the _first_ line of defence, when it really is at best your _last resort._ Your skill/judgement is your best defence - *but you cannot buy that off the shelf.*

[@gp_here]

@@motorinc my bad. Agree 💯 with that. I thought it was talk about ADAS

[@drsreerag]

In a motoring world…. Such advises are important to educate viewers for bringing out a more matured rider/driver in them…. Nice one bro..👍🏼

[@motorinc]

Thank you Doc!

[@ajayseethala]

Situational awerness >> over the top skill.. Absolutely true! Something that'll be really helpful (and a future video recomendation), "Step by step guide to mastering a motorcycles". We all know how to ride, but learning to ride is not mastering it. Even the most skilled riders bread in concrete jungles will never know the tiny details and nuances you guys know from years on the tarmac. So maybe a series on how to take it from the basics.

[@motorinc]

Working on this Ajay!

[@TheSumith91]

situational awareness is important, driving in the seed limit is also important. But believe having a safer car will help a lot during crash, even if the percentage is low there are accidents which we cant avoid. It same as choosing a helmet. If you have the budget which helmet will you choose ISI, SNEL, DOT or an uncertified one ?

[@motorinc]

Absolutely! No one's arguing that you shouldn't get the safest car you can afford, and the best gear you can afford. What we're saying there's a lot you can go - most of it is free - long before you have to just rely on the depth of your pockets for safety. Preventing crashes is far less expensive than having a good crash (which means nothing happened to you/your family). Skills are _free_ but they're also much harder to learn, which doesn't make relying on crash ratings or helmet certifications along _enough._

[@user-dw2cc8gw8w]

Thx for this video... I had a crash 2 days ago...my first crash... I just slipped in a wet road with little gravels on it... I was blaming the road and the weather for it... But now i realised i was over speeding and used the brakes wrong time... Thx for this sir ❤

[@TheSportyExplorer]

With every video you are beating my expectations and setting a new bar for yourself

[@motorinc]

TSE! Thank you so much once again!

[@trustshankar]

These are life lessons for situations outside motoring as well.

[@s.prabhdeepsingh]

Okay thanks this changed my prespective by a bit now i will improve more heavily Thanks a ton..❤

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@vishmapari]

You are absolutely right i never thought myself skilled rider or driver...and i use it diff term for what you just described as situational awareness which is defensive driving/riding which makes you think about every possible scenario on the road

[@motorinc]

💯

[@RunningBlade_]

I prioritize safety over ego when riding, and when I sense a potential threat, I instinctively slow down, observing the situation for self-preservation. This approach has helped me avoid numerous close calls and major accidents. Basic precautions, such as staying within my lane, steering clear of slippery white patches, maintaining a safe distance from heavy vehicles, and downshifting while braking, have proven effective in preventing embarrassing and problematic situations.

[@RunningBlade_]

I continue to gain valuable insights from my daily observations and remain acutely aware that there is still a considerable amount for me to learn

[@Nipunarora09]

Excellent Video... A must watch video for every Rider or Driver...

[@motorinc]

Glad you liked it!

[@daksh_saroha]

Beautiful and important video as always. ❤❤

[@motorinc]

Thanks Daksh!

[@AmanKumar-jc9nl]

As a new rider it was a much needed video for me. Thank you Shumi ❤

[@motorinc]

Glad we can help! Best of luck Aman!

[@pradneshnaik3592]

Totally agree on this one. You need to keep learning and evolving.❤

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@kunalkakade6913]

At start I felt *Oh! Great riding advice* and in the end *Wow that's really great life advice* .

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@mandykalita]

Very thoughtful video Shumi! I think all the principles and safety associated with motoring works really well in a controlled environment. In India, mostly it is all spontaneous and complete chaos. Experience does help to a certain extent but You are never in control, all you can do is damage control. You could be following all the rules, taking a traffic stop, the t-light is red, BAM! Some autowala hits you from behind and you fall/scratch your car. And YES, we should always be using helmets/seat belts. I wish people would listen just for once.

[@motorinc]

Maybe true, but not a productive way to think, MandyKalita. If you believe it's all out of your control, you're focussing on the last resort as the only way forward. Which actually isn't true. Despite the hype and the news, most of us _will expire of old age._ Shumi's saying your skills and growth of skills, does bring more into your control. It should be your first strategy. And this is difficult because you have to work for it - you cannot buy skills off a shelf.

[@prancinghors]

Bravo Schumi. Excellent. Most people have very poor riding and Driving skills. We really need to spend time and money upping these first. I guess you should go out thinking that 95% of the people can't ride or drive properly. Driving Riding and Life run on the same principles... You've explained it beautifully.

[@motorinc]

Glad we can help!

[@adityashidlyali7814]

Wow just wow.. more respect to you sir.. Thank you for this wonderful words.. ❤

[@motorinc]

And thank you for your kind words.

[@abhi92704]

A brief video with insightful experience. Simply amazing 👍👍 This one is going on my WhatsApp status 😄.

[@motorinc]

Go for it Abhi! Glad we can help!

[@tejaswiabburi335]

💯 % in agreement to this. Two lessons that I came across which made me realise how much more I could learn: Managerial overconfidence: There are a ton of experiments which showed that most people rated themselves better than average drivers when statistically, that outcome is not possible. Anticipate and drive (Team-bhp): Be an active driver rather than rely on/blame other's skills.

[@motorinc]

The first point! That's so spot on! Shumi had quoted @motojitsu on on this: people think they're a 6 on 10 at riding, they're actually a 2 and in that gap are the crashes.

[@zeealwaysshan]

My late father used to say regularly, "When you drive, always think that everyone driving around you is drunk, and only you are responsible for any situation. Then only can you be fully aware and save yourself from any accidents, becoming a great rider." The original saying, "Yeh soch ke chalo ke sab pi kar chala rahe hai, tumhe bach ke chalna hai, tabhi tum ache rider ban paoge aur hadsa se bach sakoge," remains the best advice in riding to date.

[@arpitoroy5750]

Shumi put it very succinctly... Every decision on the road counts. Situational awareness is often the most critical bit to avoid a decision which may cause an accident. Hence never lose control of your head while in/on a vehicle!

[@motorinc]

🫡

[@udayshome1793]

This is a nice topic. Defensive driving / riding is what I consciously try to practice, often going back to videos, literature and incidents that reinforce, reiterate and remind me of the ground rules as they fade with time. At the extreme of this envelope are probably people like SPG drivers who practice driving with one hand in reverse at the same speed without crashing the car.

[@motorinc]

Hey @udayshome1793, how is it going with you? Practice is always the key to driving better and with all skills, the more you do, and the more your practice and work your skills out, the better you will get at that activity.

[@natramilm8922]

💯 agreed 🙌. We have to take responsibility of things happens in our life. Thanks for sharing it.

[@motorinc]

You are so welcome Natramil!

[@nirneat]

This is how the law of Karma works too. Shumi has done a really good job explaning it. We can never control things that happen on the outside. We can never be sure, that things will go according to our perception of how it should go. Depending on your gears and your vehicle is good. But in thinking that, that's all there is to it, that now you shouldn't be aware of how you are driving and your surrounding, is foolish. Always try to understand your skill level and improve it. Always. Thanks Shumi Sir, for making this. Please make for of this. I think it helps making people understand to be a more responsible rider

[@motorinc]

Our pleasure @nirneat! You always focus on what is in control and do that the best we can. The rest isn't in control so whether it worries you or not, matters not a whit.

[@pronoP2]

Exactly. Exactly this. I have been harping about situational awareness, your position on the road causing any kind of disturbance to the traffic to my friends in college. When I was getting a learners permit in the EU, they didn't teach me how to ride the motorcycle, they taught me even releasing the accelerator, what might have/will happen around me on the road, what I should be even thinking before I start to release the throttle. They were more into your situaltional awareness, and your position on the road. The lack of situational awareness is Indian drivers is absolutely astonishing. I am waiting for the day I will crash, which everyone does, but I at least know that I will introspect after the crash and I will try to minimise it as much according to the skill level I have developed till date.

[@motorinc]

Great attitude PronoP2! Thanks for sharing!

[@whyzi6143]

This. This is what I have been saying on so many crash videos. People just think they are perfect. That they hold no responsibility towards their own safety. In all the crash videos I see that there are so many things a driver can do to anticipate something bad happening. Even while watching a dashcam video feed I can see the elements far ahead to predict what is coming to them (and also things that might have happened and didn’t). Simple things like keeping your foot ready on the brake as soon as you see a two wheeler starting their scooter and trying to join the road. Or a car in front which is slightly drifting and not actually going straight. Or simply keeping an eye ahead through the glass of the car in front.

[@motorinc]

Spot on!

[@RunningBlade_]

I resonate with this sentiment completely. When riding with full concentration, one can often anticipate potential trajectories and have a sense that something unfavorable might occur. I find myself doing this instinctively, taking preemptive measures to avoid potential risks. I proactively assess the surroundings, paying extra attention to fellow vehicles. I plan my actions in advance or, at the very least, ensure that others are aware of my presence by using signals, headlights, or horns.

[@whyzi6143]

@@RunningBlade_ true. The fact is that you just have to do this in the formative years on the road either while driving a two wheeler or a car. After that it’s just in built for years and you don’t even have to make any extra effort.

[@chaitanyadubey2914]

Very well explained shumi! It's your life you are responsible not the car, not the person on the road nor the raitings first responsibility is always with me rest comes other things

[@motorinc]

💯💯💯

[@vishal-vk5yd]

Need more of this type of talks.

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@pawasdayal]

Man this hits hard. "look at what you can control, and then control it..." Only if this can be played on PSA all around the country, played on radio instead of mindless ads and sold as stickers to stick on to fenders and bumpers.

[@motorinc]

🙏🏾

[@prateekshirke7256]

Loved this one!! Need more of these.. would love in Podcast..

[@motorinc]

Great idea! Thanks Prateek!

[@mansurali4433]

Great point, and to the whole point of wearing a helmet other than the obvious protection you get from the elements it also ties into the fact that none of us are perfect riders or drivers and its a skill you will inevitably improve on and get better with the passage if time no matter who you are i.e you're not the same rider you were a decade ago, and so wearing a helmet you acknowledge that you are not a perfect rider and that you could get into an accident because you may still not have that situational awareness developed for example, if you believe driving around without a seatbelt or ridinf without a helmet is something you can handel means that you're just arrogant with you're driving skill which in itself is a problem that you need to take care of. It suprising how much better of a rider you become when you own up to your mistake and accept you aren't a perfect rider like all of us

[@amitnugyal1939]

Very Well said. Thank you !

[@motorinc]

Welcome!

[@ssalunke90]

Amazing video, I agree with everything you said!

[@motorinc]

♥️

[@fectumtop7272]

Gotchaa about the situational awareness, What Shumi focused on was how as a driver we should be at the control of our machine and the environment to am extent. Well also accidents can happen though we have the situational awareness and that time what plays the role is our gears and our machine. So first we can save ourselves by what gear we choose and then also how we can avoid the crashes by situation awareness.

[@motorinc]

Just reverse the order, fectumtop! First we try to avoid the accident (skills and judgement) then we make sure we have the max protection we can in the accident (purchased safety).

[@motorvoyage_]

Finally, I heard someone whose thoughts match mine, It is Good you brought this up

[@motorinc]

🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@sweetheartvino]

I think this is one good piece of advise ❤

[@HaloBeam47]

Reason for wearing helmet as mentioned by shumi is my reason. Thanks for the video.

[@altaj6452]

When you talked about situational awareness... I got to drop my story. I haven't had any major accidents in my entire riding career which I thought because I have a good situational awareness and response and made me kinda overconfident on my skills. A year back when I was driving back to Bengaluru from my friends house in Krishnagiri it started drizzling a bit heavy and I was driving at a very calm speed. I own gears but at that time it was out of my reach back home so I have to ride without a jacket or a glove that day. At a signal where it was green for me and not for others for turning right or taking a u-turn , I just moved along in the same speed like 35km/hr. Suddenly a car from the left lane of the road tried to move to the right lane without any signal and hit me hard. During this instant I cracked my shoulder bone and was in cast for 3 months. During and after the crash I was angry and had a furious rage towards the driver complaining about how pathetic a driver he is. After getting treated for minor injuries and broken shoulder both my bike and I (luckily) were in a position to ride with the bike having telescopes, bars and gear lever bent , brakes broken and for me my throttle hand was good. So I literally drove my bike for like 30 kms with one hand (using clutchless shifts) and used clutch only at stop and go times. But when I'm riding back all my anger turned into thinking about how bad my personal situational awareness was. I never thought I'd be humbled in such a way with a broken shoulder and 3 months of not riding (including other difficulties). From that day I am trying to improve my situational awareness and not planning to stop learning anytime soon.

[@vijayvs1657]

His words are applicable to both Driving and Situations of Life. Great choice of words Shumi✨

[@motorinc]

Thanks Vijay!

[@neal0512]

This discussion took me back to my younger days where my elder brother always used to say to not just look at the car in front of you but three cars in front of that car so you are prepared in case there is any sudden change. And this has saved my ass so many times. This has become second nature now and each time I'm on the road it keeps the pressure down.

[@motorinc]

Absolutely! That’s a GREAT tip! Your elder brother is on point! ❤️

[@pritam6407]

Shumi has this voice that attracts attention easily and then the information shared seems easier to understand

[@motorinc]

Thank you!

[@mouneshpattar4375]

Hey, I am a big fan of your reviews. It's always great to see you guys going in detail. I am here to ask about the first bike I am going to buy. I am totally interested in touring, The budget is around 2 lac. My first option was Xpulse and I see them everywhere I go ... I am worried about the situation in the service centre. Then I started looking for a Honda cb200x .. it's a interesting one... Little lack of specs in speedometer and ABS. but I want to know more about what are updates for 2024. Went through 100s of videos and almost satisfied. Waiting for @motoinc review from a long time.