Riding a motorbike is one of the most liberating road activities, but it is also one of the riskiest. The majority of motorcycle accidents are serious or fatal. There can be several factors responsible for the accident, including rash driving or a high volume of vehicular traffic. Certain types of weather are also to blame for motorcycle accidents. For instance, motorcycle accidents in winter are common.
According to the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, approximately 40% of single-vehicle fatal crashes occur as a result of a rider losing control on an icy pavement or a snowy road. Cold weather causes several changes that negatively impact riding performance, such as slick roads, lower tire pressure, and poor visibility while riding. While most motorcycle riders prefer to avoid riding during the winter, others choose to defy the elements and ride outside anyway. However, winter is not the only adversary in this story.
Several accidents have also been reported during the spring and summer, most likely due to the large volume of cycle traffic during this season. Riding down an open road with the warm sun on your skin is an experience that any motorcycle enthusiast would want to enjoy. As a result, many motorcyclists drop their guard and become less alert during the warmer months than they would be during the winter months. This is largely due to the general perception that accidents are more likely during the latter. Summer months also present the risk of severe sun glares, which reduce visibility, and heat strokes, which can cause riders to lose control.
The truth remains that riding in any season is a challenge. Motorcycle accidents typically result in severe injuries involving the head and neck. Statistics also show that a person in a serious motorcycle accident has a lower chance of survival. As a result, it is critical to exercise sufficient caution and take certain measures before hitting the road. Here are a few things to consider before and during a motorcycle ride.
Precautions for Motorcyclists
- If you intend to ride during colder months, ensure that your motorcycle is winter-ready. Have a trusted mechanic perform a thorough tune-up on your motorcycle. Install winter tires and double- or triple-check that the brakes are working properly
- Recognize when the weather is too cold to ride. Even if you have adequate winter clothes and equipment, if your fingers or toes become numb, stop and rest until the weather improves. Opting to continue ahead in such severe weather could result in a loss of vehicle control
- Invest in appropriate winter or motorcycle gear such as Kevlar pants, riding jackets, gloves, boots, and most importantly, a high-quality helmet
- Because it gets dark earlier in the winter, plan your route so that you get most of your riding done during the day. Avoid driving after dark
- Stay updated with weather forecasts and road closures before you ride to avoid unexpected delays
- Keep your eyes peeled for black ice. Even the most seasoned riders may struggle to spot black ice, so stay alert and avoid patches on the road that might appear dark and shiny
- Prepare for worst-case scenarios. In case you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle, seek the assistance of a trusted personal injury attorney.