Choosing to ride a motorcycle is rather sensible, in some ways, and it invites significant risk in others. The direct economic cost of owning and riding a motorcycle is generally far less than that associated with a passenger car or truck. Moreover, the environmental impact of the typical bike is much smaller than that of another motor vehicle. On the other hand, however, there is a significant safety gap between a well-equipped motorcycle and a well-equipped family car, subjecting a motorcycle rider to the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident. This becomes strikingly clear when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Warning Signs and Safety Tips
Given the exposed nature of a motorcycle rider's position atop the bike, it is wise to adopt a more proactive set of habits than might be necessary for other motorists. For example, taking the extra time to catch an up to the moment weather forecast for the range in which you will be riding can be of immeasurable value and only requires a minimal investment of time. If you are already out on the bike and observe that the sky has suddenly darkened, you see lightning flashes, or you hear the rumbling sound of thunder, then the set of responses at your disposal must be finely tuned so that you can protect yourself.
Some of the places that have the potential to be the most hazardous are bridges, overpasses, in tunnels, and in wide open roadways. Each of these features is particularly prone to either freezing, creating an increased force of wind, or renders a motorcyclist an attractive target for a lightning strike. Here are several safety tips to keep you well:
- Avoid riding at night when temperatures are at or below freezing, if possible
- When a lightning bolt and thunderclap are separated by less than 30 seconds, get to a covered space and remain there until there has been no such strike for a period of 30 minutes or more
- Lower speed if you absolutely must ride in heavy rains
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