subject: How Weather And Road Conditions Can Challenge Motorcycle Riders [print this page] When you were taking your safety driver's course on your motorcycle the first thing everyone had to do was gear up in their protective clothing. The next thing they had to do was get on and start their bike and ride in a circle with the other students so the instructors could assess the initial bad habits they saw that could impact a rider on the road. If you noticed someone driving beside you and you saw them using their feet as brakes, then you know they may be someone to watch. This type of rider may lack the skills to drive safely in all types of road and weather conditions. Unfortunately, at any time weather or road conditions can make even the most ordinary ride an accident waiting to happen.
Water can play tricks on you because it causes the oil to come through the asphalt making the road slippery. Tunnels are another area to watch because you are bracing yourself in the wind while riding and then as you enter a tunnel the wind stops and this is where you need to make a quick adjustment on your driving. In addition, there are expansion joints before and at the end of a tunnel. There are also things call black snakes and this is liquid tar that is used to fill gaps in the road. A tire on the bike can catch one and start to slip so this is another area to be aware of when riding.
Heat can make your hands sweat so may lose your grip when you thought you were accelerating and instead you slow down. Usually cars start blowing their horns which make you grip the gas turning it harder and now you jerk your bike forward. Once again you have to adjust in your seat.
Motorcycles have limited options on where they are able to go when confronted with challenging traffic or even road damage or pot holes. If you hit a damaged piece of road it may throw you off the bike and where and how you land will determine the type of injuries you may suffer. There is nothing fun about being in traction or casts for weeks on end due to lack of attention on the road whether it be yourself or another driver. Remember to compensate for changing road and weather conditions to maximize your safety.
