Here’s Why You Should Be Careful When Wearing A Dupatta/Scarf On A Bike

Mumbai’s Sunita More, a frequent rider, got her dupatta entangled in the bike’s chain 

Sunita Manohar More, a frequent bike commuter, managed to entangle her dupatta in her bike's chain, which squeezed her neck. Thankfully, she was at a slow enough speed to stop and correct it. Sunita shared a video of the incident on Instagram to alert others to be mindful of safety while on the road.

As seen in the video, Sunita Manohar More was riding her Royal Enfield Meteor 350 when the terrifying incident occurred. As she rode, the dupatta (scarf) she was wearing as part of her attire, got entangled in the chain. This incident serves as a stark reminder to be mindful of loose items around the moving parts of a motorcycle. In a split second, the dupatta was pulled into the moving parts, and with it, her neck was jerked forward as the fabric tightened. The forceful tug could have led to disastrous consequences, but fortunately, quick thinking and reflexes kicked in as she applied the brakes, and the pillion rider jumped off the bike to assist. This incident highlights the importance of being cautious and aware of our surroundings, especially when it comes to loose items that can get entangled in a motorcycle's moving parts.

Although shaken, Sunita Manohar More sustained only a minor neck injury. She shared the incident online to raise awareness about the potential hazards of loose clothing while riding and expressed gratitude for the timely help. 

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How can this be avoided?

If one is wearing a scarf, dupatta, or stole, one needs to be mindful as to tuck them in properly and not let them hang loosely. While people on the internet argue that it's common sense to avoid wearing loose clothing around machinery, it's also important to consider whether individuals think of riding a motorcycle as operating machinery. In India, a law mandates saree guards on motorcycles to prevent loose garments like sarees from getting pulled into the wheel or chain. However, this precaution may not be enough when many new riders wear traditional outfits for certain festivals, raising concerns. A simple solution is to double-check loose clothing and ensure it's away from the moving parts of the motorcycle, mostly located in the lower half.

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Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and being aware of these risks can help prevent accidents not only for yourself, but also for your fellow riders, pedestrians, and passengers, ensuring a safe ride for all.