Accidents in Bali: How to Avoid a Ditch or the Repair Shop

If you're visiting Bali for the first time, the traffic might look like complete chaos. But you get used to it pretty quickly. You can ride around here without any problems as long as you take it easy. Here is how to avoid accidents in Bali.

The main rule is simple: don't ride faster than the flow of traffic.

Accidents in Bali: a scooter turning right in front of you

Traffic in Bali has its own quirks. For example, the scooter in front of you starts moving toward the side of the road. You think the rider is just moving over, but suddenly they start making a U-turn right in front of you. Or someone comes toward you from the opposite direction and gradually starts taking up not just half your lane, but almost the whole thing.

When you're moving with the flow of traffic, you usually have enough time to react to these manoeuvres. But if you're going much faster than everyone else, you might not have enough time to react. Best case, you'll hear your brakes screeching. Worst case, you'll end up hitting some unsuspecting old guy with a whole load of hay on the back of his scooter. And just like that, instead of enjoying a quiet day, you're figuring out how much a minor scooter repair will cost.

Sand on corners

The second danger is sand on corners. Sometimes it's left behind by a passing truck. Other times, rain washes it onto the road.

If you haven't judged your speed correctly and a turn catches you by surprise, chances are you'll instinctively hit the brakes. Your wheel will lose traction on the sand, and down you go.

Usually, these are minor falls, but road rash is always uncomfortable and can throw your holiday plans off track.

Be predictable on the road

Spotted a shop or a turn you need to take while riding at a decent speed? Don't slam on the brakes and suddenly cut across traffic just to make the turn. There is a good chance someone behind you won't react in time and will crash into you.

In Bali, plenty of people end up with foot and ankle fractures after being hit from behind on a scooter. All because they tried to save a few seconds.

That turn isn't going anywhere. Slow down, let the traffic pass, make a U-turn somewhere safe, and continue on your way. Taking a couple of extra minutes is always better than dealing with an injury, scooter repairs, and a ruined holiday.

How to ride calmly

Don't be afraid of the local traffic. Learn to read the road and don't rush. Keep up with the flow of traffic, watch not only the road ahead but also what other riders are about to do, and slow down before corners, especially after rain.

If you are just starting out, read how to ride in Bali for the first time. If something has gone wrong, see what to do after a scooter accident in Bali and how rental insurance works. You can pick a bike in the scooter catalog.

On Bali, it's easy to save a few minutes by speeding. But losing part of your holiday because of it is even easier. You could end up sitting in your hotel room with road rash, trying to heal up under the AC.