As winter slowly turns to spring, many motorcycle riders get ready for their first ride of the year. They bring their bikes out of storage and perform seasonal maintenance. They start waiting for temperatures to get high enough for them to tolerate the wind chill on their motorcycles.
Riders headed out during the spring also need to be on high alert for seasonal safety hazards. What are the most pressing safety concerns for motorcycle operators in the spring?
1. Wet pavement
Watching weather reports and staying off the road when rain is likely is the safest bet. Motorcycle riders generally understand that they should stay off the road during active precipitation whenever possible. Wet pavement puts motorcycle riders at risk of losing control or getting struck by drivers who don’t adjust their habits for the reduced traction provided by wet pavement.
2. Animal activity
Many animals mate in the spring, leading to more mammals, turtles and other animals crossing busy roads. The increased availability of food can also inspire more animal activity. Wildlife is dangerous for any motor vehicle operator, but especially those on motorcycles.
3. New road hazards
Motorcycle riders are at risk of catastrophic incidents if they fail to spot a pothole before they reach it. As temperatures increase and snow melts, previously stable sections of road may develop new potholes.
Even with the best safety habits, motorcycle riders are at risk every time they are out on the streets. Working with an attorney can make it easier for those injured in motorcycle collisions to hold irresponsible drivers accountable for the consequences of a recent crash.
