As the weather worsens and visibility reduced, drivers need to be more alert for bikers

Rain, fog and darkness; aren’t British winters wonderful?

Sarcasm aside, the worsening weather usually means it’ll be much harder to see clearly on the roads. During an early Monday morning commute in the cold rain, you’re probably thinking of hot coffee and a warm dry bed; not motorcyclists in your blind spots. That’s right – bikers will ride in the cold and rain!

With heavy rain and darker days comes worsened visibility, making motorcyclists sometimes harder to spot. Rain, windscreen wipers and dreary grey skies can make checking for motorcyclists more difficult, but nevertheless absolutely imperative.

What the drivers need to do

Heavy rain will also worsen driving conditions. With wet roads, skidding is much more likely for both cars and motorbikes. Reduced traction can mean braking distances are extended. With driving, control is paramount and slowing down should help to reduce skidding.

Trying to fight heavy rain with frantic windscreen wipers going back and forth will make it much harder for drivers to see motorcyclists as well. Driving at high speeds means spotting them a few seconds late can cost you the braking distance needed to stop before colliding.

This is very, very important.

Fog and mist also make it incredibly hard to see far away. Heavy fog and mist means taillights from vehicles in front and lights on roads are usually harder to spot. Speed must be reduced so drivers can concentrate on their positioning and surroundings, all the while having ample time to react.

On faster roads, one simple mistake can cause a colossal pile up of injuries and potential fatalities. When turning and changing lanes, drivers must ensure they know where they are positioned around other vehicles and motorcycles, clearly indicating along the way.

The gambling mind-set is what can cost a biker their life. Bikers are smaller and harder to spot, and drivers must be always aware of bikers potentially being around. Drivers should slow down and be on high alert for motorcycles. A second glance in a wing mirror whilst turning can mean the difference between a near miss and a horrific crash.

And on the side of the bikers…

Top tips for motorcyclists:

All road users need to take care of each other. It isn’t hard; lose the impatience, and be aware of others on the road; especially bikers as the weather worsens!