Is it dangerous to ride a motorcycle in the rain?
Mastering the skill of motorcycle riding on California roadways is not an easy task. This is the main reason why we see so few motorcycles out on the road in rainy conditions. California is known for its sunny days and clear weather; but, it isn’t always a sunny coastal haven. Cars on rainy roads are far more stable than motorcycles because they do not rely on only two thin tires for traction and direction.
Safety Precautions
- There are safety precautions that must be taken in order to safely travel in poor motorcycle riding conditions. These conditions may come about while you are riding, so it is best to be knowledgeable and prepared in the event of a storm and the need to travel by motorcycle.
- Speed: Always remember to mind your speed when traveling in rain. Avoid rain puddles as often as possible and avoid applying the throttle when passing over them. Excess application of the throttle could cause the wheels to spin out of control and lose traction. Another important factor about your tires to take into consideration is the tire pressure. You want to make sure your tires are at the recommended pressure, and that they are not higher than the recommended pressure. When tire pressure is too high, the tires will not gain traction as well as they should.
Clean Your Windscreen/Windshield
Before heading into rainy conditions, another precaution to take is to clean your windscreen and visor with windshield cleaning formula. Windshield cleaning agents create a slick surface that repels water. Cleaning the visor and windshield with the proper chemical will increase the drivers visibility and awareness.
Try Not to Lock Your Brakes
In the event of a sudden emergency, avoid pulling aggressively on the handlebars or swerving because this could cause the motorcycle to seize up by locking wheels and brakes. Many motorcyclists have been seriously and fatally injured due to an unsafe attempt to avoid an accident. Motorcycle tires have less surface area to create traction than car tires; therefore, any sudden stopping or jolts in steering causes a motorcycle to be highly more unstable than a car in wet conditions.
Summary
For the safest way to travel in the rain always remember to:
- Avoid traveling at high speeds
- Check your tire pressure
- Clean your windshield & visor
- Avoid any sudden movements that would jeopardize the motorcycle’s stability along with your health.
Statistics prove that accidents in motorcycles are much more likely to cause serious injuries than car accidents. This being said, it should be no surprise that the majority of motorcycle accidents in wet conditions result in permanent or fatal injuries. Familiarize yourself with Motorcycle Accident Laws.