While you should always be careful when riding your motorcycle, you should especially pay attention when it’s a rainy day. Inclement weather can pose challenges to you out on the road, and you should heed caution when you’re driving.
Here are a few motorcycle safety tips when it’s raining outside.
HAVE THE RIGHT RAIN GEAR
One of the most basic safety tips, when you’re riding a motorcycle out in the rain, must be prepared in advance: securing the proper rain gear. When you’re soaking wet on a bike and it’s distracting you from the road, then that opens up the increased possibility of an accident. Buy rain gear that doesn’t allow water in—especially a helmet that will cover up your entire face.
WAIT A COUPLE OF HOURS
Just like when you’re driving a car, the most dangerous time to be out on the road after it starts raining is the first couple of hours. This is because all the dirt and oil are out on the road, making it extra slippery and more dangerous to drive on. If possible, avoid driving when the rain begins and wait it out until it either stops or the extremely slippery road conditions cease.
WATCH FOR LARGE PUDDLES
It may be difficult to see large puddles of water pooling up on the roads depending on the weather conditions, but you should always avoid riding in an area of the lane that are extremely wet. Dryer pavement means that you’ll have more traction and able to stop and go easier.
DON’T BRAKE STRONGLY OR HURRIEDLY
To prevent hydroplaning during rainy weather, it’s important that you really concentrate on breaking softly. Pump your breaks gradually if you see a slowdown up ahead, or if you see an obstacle in the road. Another thing to keep in mind when you’re riding your motorcycle in inclement weather is to keep additional distance between you and the vehicles ahead of you so that you can control the amount of room you have to brake. The main idea is to avoid having to brake suddenly because you’ll be at greater risk of losing control when it’s raining outside.
Unfortunately, sometimes even when you’re a safe and cautious driver, you can still get injured by a vehicle or motorcyclist. If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Georgia, you might be considering whether to pursue legal action against a negligent driver. To determine if legal action is in your best interest, CLICK HERE to CONTACT US, or call Randy E. Fry, personal injury lawyer, at (404) 948-3571.
