Why Can Light Rain Be Dangerous on the Roads
Motorcycle accidents happen every day, and dangerous weather makes them more likely to occur. However, surprisingly, even light rain can lead to a collision that results in severe injuries or even fatalities.
Why Driving in the Light Rain is Dangerous
There are several reasons why rainy conditions and wet roads are so dangerous for motorcyclists to drive in:
- Hydroplaning: A small amount of rain can cause a motorcycle’s tires to lose traction due to wet road surfaces. As a result, a motorcyclist can lose control. Roads are the slickest in the first ten minutes of rainfall because oil and grease in the ground can create a film that causes the tires to lose traction even more easily.
- Loss of Control: If a motorcyclist fails to adjust their speed, light rain can increase their chances of losing control or being unable to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Poor Visibility: Visibility can be reduced in light rain, making it more challenging for motorcyclists to see hazards or judge distances between them and other vehicles.
When rain is heavy, motorists are more likely to slow down but less likely to do so in light rain. Therefore, raising the likelihood of a motorcycle accident. One study which looked at over 125,000 fatal motorcycle accidents between 2006 to 2011 found that moderate rain increased the chance of a collision by 27 percent.
How to Prevent a Weather-Related Motorcycle Accident
The best way to prevent a weather-related motorcycle accident is to avoid driving in hazardous weather conditions. However, if that is not possible, motorcyclists should slow down, pay attention, and take precautions. For example:
- Don’t brake suddenly. If you feel your motorcycle beginning to slide, resist the urge to brake suddenly. Take your foot off the accelerator and continue to drive in a straight line.
- Stay focused on the road. Riding requires your full attention and even more than usual in light rain. Remain alert and anticipate any movements by other motorists.
- Slow down. Since vehicles will require more time to slow down in the rain, ride at a slower pace to ensure you maintain control and can stop when necessary.
- Increase the following distance. Double the space you would typically keep between your motorcycle and another vehicle. Also, try to avoid driving side by side with another vehicle.
- Keep your headlight on. Your motorcycle will be more noticeable when your headlight stays on.
Determining fault can be challenging when the weather plays a role in a motorcycle accident. However, in most accidents, there are actions that could have been taken to prevent it. As a result, there is likely a party responsible for your damages.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
After a motorcycle crash, there are steps to take to protect yourself.
Call 911
Call 911, and emergency responders will arrive and transport you to the hospital if necessary. A police officer will also create an accident report detailing the collision, noting how they believe the crash occurred and which parties they believe to be at fault. Ultimately, this report can be critical when it comes time to file an accident claim.
Document the Scene
If you are not medically transported to the hospital, try to remain at the scene and photograph or take videos of the following:
- The entire scene
- The positions of all vehicles involved and their damage
- Any property damage caused in the surrounding area
- Any debris or markings on the road, such as skid marks
- The road conditions and any hazards, such as potholes or uneven lanes
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Your injuries
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name and contact information.
Seek Medical Treatment
Get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you don’t believe you are injured.
Speak To a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Obtaining the compensation you deserve from an insurance company can be difficult on your own. An Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can help you preserve evidence to support your claim, negotiate a fair settlement, or represent you in court.