The invention of Painted lines was to save lives. But shiny/metallic surfaces structured into the road are sensitive too. Why can those miniature painted lines on the road cause fatal motorcycle accidents sometimes? This article will discover why painted lines are dangerous to motorcyclists when it rains.
You don’t want to ruin the exhilaration of riding a motorcycle. But honestly, if you don’t follow the proper guideline when riding a bike in the rain, you may have a motorcycle accident.
A study researched 125,000 fatal motorcycle accidents that occurred between 2006 and 2011. They found that even light rain increased the chances of a motorcycle collision by up to 27%.
The intensity of rain does impact. But Regardless of the level of rain, we should focus on the mistakes while riding on rainfall or rainy season, which could lead to an abrupt accident.
Why are painted lines dangerous to motorcyclists when it rains?
The painted lines include solid lines, broad lines, double lines, skip lines, etc. All of these painted lines contain a thick surface. Typically, millions of vehicles travel through these roads.
Due to getting in contact with oils, grease, and slippery substances by the running vehicles every day, these painted lines become slippery than the surrounding road. Co sequentially, these lines stay oily most of the time. That’s why painted lines are dangerous to motorcyclists when it rains.
As a result, riding a motorcycle after rain on these lines can increase the chances of slipping severely.
Two-wheelers especially lose a little traction when driving through painted lines. Due to the low level of control, a slight mistake can make the motorbike hit the passing vehicle.
In the US, tens of thousands of motorcycles collisions happen every year. Another report says while all accidents occur at no specific time, the chances of getting involved in a crash during rain is 30% for sports bikes.
Has any accident happened yet due to painted lines?
As per our research, no significant accidents have happened yet. But we motorcyclists claim that they face skidding or less controllability when driving through the painted lines, such as crosswalks, solid lines, etc.
But I think it doesn’t matter whether any accidents have happened due to painted lines or not. What’s necessary is the idea to not go through the painted lines, especially when riding motorcycles after rain.
And what’s more and more important is the road reality after rain. Painted lines are just one of the cautious factors for motorcyclists in monsoon. But more central and crucial factors increase the chances of accidents after the rain by 27%.
We have researched the top guidelines for motorcycle commuting in the rain. In response, we made a brief and more fundamental guideline containing tips to help our readers.
Tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain
The most challenging experience for motorcyclists is earning additional traction on wet roads.
Most importantly, When the first rain falls after a long or mid-term dry weather, it becomes slick on the roads. As a result, the streets become slippier than usual.
But on the other hand, constant rain galling in the rainy season isn’t good for roads either. I have already discussed why painted lines are dangerous to motorcyclists when it rains. Besides, rainfall provides a lot of responsibilities to the motorist.
We have talked to some regular biking motorcyclists in practical for further information. They said that motorcyclists have to perform many tasks regularly, unlike a four-wheeler driver, to avoid accidents and other problems.
Let’s discuss these tips below. We will only explain the most crucial facts during rain for motorcyclists.
How can motorcyclists gain extra traction on wet roads and painted lines?
When rain falls, the water mixes with millions of microscopic dirt, causing the road to oily. Interestingly, two-wheelers lose about one-third of traction when it’s damp or rainy. In the number, motorcycles’ traction may get back to 0.4 during rain.
And this is a significant matter of concern. That is why motorcycles mainly become more sensitive to accidents, and this is also why the chances of accident increases.
But don’t worry, we have solutions for motorcyclists to gain extra traction. Not one or two, we have four answers to help your wheels get closer to the road more deeply, even if everything in nature is damp or even if you’re in a world of dampness.
Let’s get into the solutions right away.
Reduce your speed by about a third.
Lowering speed, of course, reduces the chances of all types of accidents. But momentum in the rainy season impacts traction by 70%!
The higher the speed is, the more you lose traction and controllability.
Physics researcher Michael Hudson proved that the contact between the road and wheel becomes smoother due to extended speed. But such smoothness won’t help in generating more performance. It mainly reduces traction.
So, theoretically, if you lose one-third of traction in dampness, lowering your speed by a third would equally match the difference between performance and traction.
Oh, wasn’t the explanation of speed a little bit scientific? If you dislike science, we have another solution to gain extra traction.
Travel through a single side of the road
It’s not more of a solution. Because traveling the entire route through a single side all the time isn’t possible. Instead, it’s a tool you can use to increase traction.
By traveling through a single side, I mean not making unnecessary moves.
What I meant by traveling through a single side is making unnecessary moves. Motorcyclists often ride from one side to another, which is enjoyable. Sometimes, it’s more pleasuring to navigate heavy traffic, from side to side.
But be careful! Don’t make such moves. Instead, keep patience and wait for the traffic to be uncongested.
The traction doesn’t lose a lot when traveling through a single side. Professionals claim that traveling through a single site doesn’t cause the wheel to lose traction.
User wider tires to gain extra traction
You want your tires to spread the load evenly. By making your tires wider, you achieve your goal. In this way, you get more traction and performance.
Wider tires make wider contacts to the road, causing the interacting layers to synchronize. In response, you get all of the more significant benefits of acceleration and handling high cornering speed.
But too wider tires are not suitable for traction, although they may look good and suit speed. They don’t hit up properly.
Professionals have said that the best motorcycle tires for wet weather are racing tires of 325mm range, which is good from all aspects, especially traction.
Painted lines are dangerous to motorcyclists when it rains
I have already said on this topic. Bit as it is another factor of lower traction, I will break some conventional points for enlightened conviction.
Motorists may consider painted lines are nothing. Yes, it’s not. But riding motorcycles after rain becomes a cautious matter when you don’t value them appropriately.
Riding through painted lines can significantly reduce traction. Sometimes, the paint becomes light due to friction. After rainfall, the color may get looser, and as a result, when you ride through the lines, you may end up failing to control.
Keep a safe distance from other external elements.
Keep yourself in two times more extensive range with other vehicles so that If you, by chance, lose controllability due to excessive traction, you can brake correctly to avoid a strike.
Don’t ever race on damp roads. It’s also a legally forbidden activity in certain states. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fine.
No matter how skilled a driver you are. Following the rules will save you from both accidents and unnecessary fines.
Some professional motorists whom we talked to informed us that many motorcycle accidents during the rainy season occur due to losing control. So, always avoid competing with other vehicles on the road and don’t stay closer to them when riding motorcycles after rain.
Riding a motorcycle in the rain on the highway
Upon researching several articles and guidelines regarding riding a motorcycle after rain, we have concluded that motorcyclists have to take care of 3 extra things before going out on damp roads.
July, August, and September are the rainfall season in the US. While rain does fall at other times, the reality of the rainy season in these months affects riders severely. And if a motorcycle is your only assistant to travel around, consider doing the following activities.
Using special gears
What to wear while riding a motorcycle in the rain?
Just wearing random gears won’t solve the problem. Water-resistant equipment is necessary, so you don’t get in contact with rain. Unlike summertime and winter, you have to stay more secure and warm in the rainy season.
Moreover, wondering to stay dry while riding a motorcycle in the rain?
Wearing water-resistant clothing is the only best solution. Motorcyclists prefer Water-resistant jackets with CE-certified armor for the rainy season. It helps defend against rain and protects the motorcyclist from chest and hand injuries.
You can buy such good quality jackets in the $40-$100 range. Moreover, purchase water-resistant pants too. But if you don’t like such pants due to lower comfortability, at least make sure you have a jacket.
Watch for road hazards.
Road hazards are a significant problem in the months of rainfall. Sudden blowing winds happening without alerting creates debris in the roadway.
Sometimes, you may face roadside trees and lamps falling on the road due to being broken by the thunderstorms. And you have to deal with such cases efficiently.
Call the emergency police department if you see debris, trees, or lamps falling on the road.
Most importantly, roadways, where water gets up on the road, are hazardous. You can’t quickly notice potholes under the water unless you give extra attention. Eventually, you may cause an accident. So, be on the lookout for potholes and debris on wet roads.
Being visible to other vehicles
Vehicle drivers even mind seeing the Sparrow-sized motorcycles in daylight. Plenty of motorcycle accidents occurs in the sun. In the rain, the experience must be more complex for other vehicles to notice a motorcycle’s position accurately.
Back in 1981, the reality was very alarming. Research done by NHTSA says that 75% of the accident had happened in 1981 due to the other drivers not seeing the motorcycle.
Turn your headlights on all time, even during the daylight. Avoid other drivers’ blind spots. Keep in mind to use signals and hand signals at all motorcycle moves. Following these guidelines will help you be visible to other vehicles proficiently.
The general consequences of an accident in the rainy season
Even if you maintain all the rules and guidelines with perfection, another driver can still cause accidents. Plenty of motorcycle accidents involve the fault of cars.
However, if you face a motorcycle accident, you would probably instantly slip a long path after the motorcycle accident because the road becomes 56% more slippery when wet. So, unsurprisingly, body limbs may get affected.
If you fail to operate your motorcycle correctly, higher chances are you can be slipped away and eventually get striked by other vehicles’ wheels.
That’s why, if you ever go through an accident, don’t make the mistake of jumping or moving out of panic. Instead, try staying firm.
Conclusion: Painted line is not the most dangerous factor for motorcycles when it rains
Yes, even if you accidentally ride through the painted lines, this would still not be the main factor.
Like crosswalks or skip lines, Painted lines are just sensitive to controllability. If you were at high speed, like 100 mph, and had to brake on painted stripes, which caused the accident, you are at fault, not the lines.
Because speeding was your main fault and painted lines were just a contribution to the accident.
Most importantly, you will be liable for overspeeding in such a case. The insurance company may logically deny your insurance, claim you to be reckless.
Thanks for reading this article. Get in touch with us if you think we have made any mistakes. We’ll try our best to give you a short consultancy for free. Stay tuned to get more posts like this.