It is reported yesterday that a person fell from his two wheeler on the road divider and died on the way to hospital. The person fell because he parked his two wheeler on side stand and while taking the vehicle, he forgot to lift the side stand back to its position. When he was driving the vehicle, he drove over a speed breaker which hit the side stand that was in downward position and caused imbalance leading to fall of the driver. This side stand for two-wheelers appears to be very dangerous. On few occasions, I myself forgot to lift the stand and only when it hit something on the road, I realized my mistake and put it back to its rest position. And I watched many vehicle drivers, driving the two wheelers with side stand in downward position and passersby tried to point out the hazard to drivers.
Though parking a two wheeler on side stand is common, easy and may be a style statement, vehicle manufacturers should review this because of the danger it creates. At least some audio alarm should be provided when the side stand is in downward position when the ignition is switched ON. Best is to remove the side stand so that it will be safe and will not add to hazard potential of two wheeler driving.