When it comes to safely operating a motorcycle, accounting for things like road conditions and weather can be the difference between life and death. In this article, discover how road conditions and weather play a critical role in motorcycle accidents. Find out how you can adapt your riding style to varying conditions and how to prevent common scenarios.
How Road Conditions and Weather Can Cause Motorcycle Accidents
When you are on two wheels instead of four, you are even more dependent on having a solid, hazard-free roadway under you in order to retain proper control over your vehicle. Wet surfaces, uneven roadways, and threats to retaining traction put motorcyclists at high risk of an accident happening. Let’s take a look at some of these roadway threats to motorcyclists and how the danger can be neutralized or at least reduced to keep riders safe.
Slippery and Wet Surfaces
Slippery and wet roadway surfaces caused by things such as rain, sleet, snow, and more, are a prominent danger for motorcycles. While wet and slippery surfaces are dangerous to all drivers, two-wheeled vehicles are even more susceptible to succumbing to a slippery surface due to their reduced size and weight. The danger is even more pronounced when making a turn. To help reduce the dangers associated with slippery and wet roadways, motorcyclists should significantly reduce their speed and continue to drive in a straight direction.
Gravel and Roadway Debris
Gravel and other roadway debris can also pose significant dangers to motorcycles. Gravel, in particular, is a prominent roadway hazard for motorcycles, particularly for those less experienced accounting for these kinds of roadway conditions. Wheel traction can be lost all too easily when the road surface is covered with gravel. To help reduce the chance of losing traction and spinning out of control, motorcyclists should slow down in gravelly areas. Furthermore, riders can help avoid danger by relying on the use of the bike’s back brake in patches of gravel
Uneven Roads
Another prominent danger for motorcycles includes uneven roadway surfaces. When you are in a standard, four-wheel vehicle, changes in roadway surfaces can be uncomfortable and lead to a bounce or the fear of a hurt tire, but the danger is much greater for motorcycles. When a motorcycle drives over a change in roadway surface, such as a pothole, they can be easily ejected from their bike altogether and sustain serious injuries as a result. When going through areas of uneven roadway surfaces, particularly those prone to potholes, motorcyclists should exhibit extreme caution and reduce their speed as much as possible to avoid these hazards.
While road conditions and whether will always pose a danger to even the most seasoned of motorcyclists, riders should know that practicing operating a motorcycle will help safely navigate these dangers. It is important to become familiar with reacting to roadway dangers and understanding how your own bike handles, as all bikes handle a little bit differently. Be sure you are wearing the proper safety gear, including high-visibility clothing, and clothing that is appropriate for the weather.
North Dakota Personal Injury Attorneys
Motorcyclists, stay safe out there on the road. If you are ever involved in a motorcycle accident, you can count on the team at Pringle & Herigstad to look out for your legal interests and explore your options for recovering compensation for the harm you have suffered. Contact us today.
