Rain can be a significant obstacle for motorcycle riders who are taking a trip. Even if you have had extensive experience riding in the rain, coming up against it can still be difficult because of its unpredictable nature. Especially, riding in the rain on the highway is often dangerous!
If you have been riding for many years, however, this may not be a highly significant issue as it is with newer riders. As bikers, we often get caught up in the negative aspects of riding. We worry about bike safety, traffic, and so on. Especially when it comes to riding during rain, even the wet painted lines on the highway can cause you to occur an accident.
As we all know and at least heard, plenty of dangers come with riding in the rainy season. Those include motorcycle fatalities, breakdowns, and other accidents. Analyzing the number of motorcycle fatalities in the American rainy season, I found a possible connection between traffic accidents and those who bike to work.
Now, let’s move on to the dangers of riding in rainy seasons.
Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain on The Highway
According to an IIIHS study, motorcycle fatalities are significantly higher on rainy days. The group surveyed 1,200 motorcycle accident victims. During a yearlong period between 2009 and 2011, IIHS found riders at greater risk of crashing by another vehicle during rain.
Rainy days can make it harder to see motorcycles and make them more vulnerable to crashes. The associated risk of severe injury or accidental death is higher when riding during the rain. In this case, cars and other vehicles appear to be driving in the same direction as you, and other drivers may not be able to see you. The most dangerous time for riders is between 5 pm and 11 pm on a wet night, according to data from the IIHS.
It is not surprising, as motorcycles are much more susceptible to accidents in wet conditions than most other vehicles. Motorcycles are five times as likely to crash in rainy conditions as cars!
In the past, IIHS has also found that motorcycle crashes are more common on days with wet roads. Mainly, Motorcycles do not have traction control or strong ABS brakes. As a result, they can’t stop quickly when the road is wet. In addition, many riders underestimate their ability to handle wet conditions and end up occurring a crash.
You’re at increased risk of severe injury or death when riding during thunderstorms or highway rainstorms. In addition to common breakdowns in these conditions, motorcycles can more easily slide out of control on slick roads.
Rain Reduces The Traction
Rain reduces the traction of motorcycles, making them less stable in wet conditions. Because of this, motorcycles are more likely to slide on slick surfaces and may lose control because they can’t stop quickly enough.
In addition, wetness makes it hard for your tires to grip the road. As a result, you will have a higher risk of an accident if you drive in poor conditions.
Studies have shown that rain can reduce traction on the road by 27%. Keeping tires clean and less worn out will help a vehicle maintain traction. Rain can reduce your ability to stop and will slow down your motorcycle. If you are driving a motorbike on a wet road, you must consider avoiding hydroplaning.
A suitable method is using the curb when possible and ensuring your tires are correctly inflated. This inspection will allow you to slow down if you hydrolise.
Besides, it would help if you obeyed all traffic laws, including pedestrians and bicycles. With wet roads and slick surfaces, your motorcycle will not only be unsafe at high speed but also have a chance of slipping off the road and getting stuck under another vehicle.
Water-Logged Roads
Nowadays, Motorcycle commuters are dealing with the new hazard of waterlogged roads. This condition can make riding a motorcycle during the rain on the highway more dangerous! Although more motorcycle road hazards are worth discussing, wet roads are a new type of hazard to motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists are more susceptible to hydroplaning or a loss of traction on wet or dry roads than other vehicles. The term refers to a phenomenon in which the weight of an object, such as a motorcycle. It causes water to flow over a tired area and create what appears to be a shallow, temporary ponding.
Water-logged roads can cause you to lose Your sense of direction and fight against the floods. Motorcycles are more sensitive than cars and trucks, so that that road deterioration can be more dangerous for riders. That is why you should be more aware of motorcycle riding conditions in the rain on the highway.
Two-wheelers withstand the weather and conditions on the road. Unfortunately, when water-logged roads appear, riders risk being damaged. When this happens, motorcycles may lose control, causing crashes.
Riding on these roads can also be very dangerous, as the motorcycle will likely slide off the road. Water-logged roads cause motorcycles to lose traction and become less responsive to their surroundings.
Since they are so unstable when wet, motorcycles sliding off slippery surfaces is common. In addition, water reduces surface friction, making stopping even more difficult for riders. When riding in poor weather conditions, you must stay informed about your surroundings and take all necessary precautions to avoid getting hurt or losing control of your motorcycle.
Also, Read: How Dangerous Is It to Ride Motorcycles?
How to Be Safe as a Rider During Rain on the Highway
If you somehow need to ride in the rain, you can’t sit at home, considering your safety. In that case, you must take extra safety precautions and follow some proven tips.
If possible, avoid riding in the dark or early morning hours when visibility is lowest. And always use caution on wet roads – stay well back from the edge of the road and scan both directions before crossing any intersections.
Sometimes, you may go through minor or major accidents during the rain on the road. However, don’t despair at any cost! Remember, going fast on the highway is always less vital than riding safely and steadily.
When it is wet outside, be extra careful on the road. Follow the below-recommended tips to stay safe while riding in the rain:
- Wear a full-face helmet and bright clothing (e.g., jackets with reflective stripes). This way, people can see and focus on your contingencies.
- Don’t take your eyes off the road; keep a reasonable speed limit. Slow down when conditions are bad.
- Don’t ride between lanes of traffic unless there is a cyclist lane or sidepath available. Riding this way increases your chances of getting hit by another car or truck.
- Use a bell or horn when you need to stop. This will warn other drivers and cyclists and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
- If you have to go off the road, stay low and move as quickly as possible in a safe direction.
- Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol impairs your ability to ride safely and can lead to dangerous behavior, such as riding without a helmet.
What Happens If You Occur an Accident During Rain With Your Motorcycle?
If you have been riding your motorcycle during rain, it is pivotal to know the potential of wet road surfaces that can cause sudden tire failure.
The event can be time-consuming if you get injured in an accident while riding your motorcycle in the rain. Most importantly, in highway incidents, over 17% of fatalities are motorcycle crashes.
Passing rain and wet roads can make it difficult to assess the potential hazards. Wet road surfaces make motorcycle tires slippery, which can cause a loss of control or even an accident in a matter of seconds.
The roads and vehicles have been wet for some time, making it difficult to assess the potential hazards. Wet road surfaces make motorcycle tires slippery, which can cause a loss of control or even an accident in a matter of seconds.
While you can mitigate the dangers of wet road surfaces by wearing proper gear, including a raincoat, helmet, and gloves, there is no guarantee that you will be safe.
If your motorcycle operates on slick tires in slippery conditions, it is essential to exercise caution. Motorcycle accidents typically happen by several factors, including distracted driving and poor weather conditions.
After a medium or severe crash with your motorcycle, you must speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced accident attorney can assist you in perceiving the legal process and protect your rights after a motorcycle accident.
I hope readers have understood the safety concerns regarding riding a motorcycle in the rain on highway areas. If you have more related queries or concerns, please put them down in the box below.