Warmer weather heralds the beginning of motorcycle season. Although riding on a motorcycle can make chilly weather nearly unbearable without the right gear, many enthusiasts won’t wait for temperatures to hit the 70s and 80s before getting their motorcycles out of storage. Some people will ride as soon as the weather is consistently out of the danger zone for frost.
There is nothing wrong with going for a spring ride on a motorcycle, but there are unique safety concerns that all riders should be aware of. There are three particularly important considerations that motorcycle riders need to consider before they head out for an early-season ride.
1. Wet pavement is very dangerous for motorcycles
Spring comes with more precipitation, and wet pavement comes with numerous risks for those on motorcycles. Rainy weather can affect visibility and increase the possibility of a crash occurring. It may also provoke more animal activity, which is also a source of crash risk.
Wet pavement also increases the stopping distance for vehicles, while the reduced traction available on wet pavement increases the possibility of a motorcyclist struggling to complete a maneuver that would be easy on dry pavement.
2. Drivers may not be watching for motorcycles yet
One of the most significant risks associated with motorcycle operation is the possibility that people in larger vehicles won’t spot the motorcycle in traffic. Often, drivers who don’t actively watch for motorcyclists are the ones who cause collisions that injure them. The potential for injury caused by inattentional blindness is arguably higher in the off season than during the peak of summer when people recognize there will be motorcycles in traffic.
3. Storage could lead to issues with motorcycle safety
As a final word of warning, motorcycle riders should avoid giving in to the temptation to go out for a quick spin before they perform seasonal maintenance on their vehicles. Issues with their brakes or lights that weren’t there in the fall when they put their bike into storage could directly contribute to their risk of a collision. Even one risk with frayed wires or unevenly-inflated tires could lead to a tragic outcome.
Recognizing notable seasonal risks can help people adjust their habits to better account for seasonal motorcycle crash dangers. Reviewing these tips is, therefore, a worthy pursuit each and every spring.