As the weather worsens and visibility reduced, drivers need to be more alert for bikers
First published by Admin on October 04, 2017 in the following categories: Bike Safety and tagged with road safety
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:
- Increase your visibility with high visibility clothing
- Less moving between lanes of traffic where sight is reduced from adverse weather
- Reducing speed will give you more time to react on the roads. Braking distance will be increased in wet weather, of course. Although it should be the drivers ensuring they proceed with due care and attention, bikers should simply expect a mistake to happen. Not the fairest way of doing things, but it could save your life!
- And finally, as always, wear protective gear!
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!
The content of this post/page was considered accurate at the time of the original posting and/or at the time of any posted revision. The content of this page may, therefore, be out of date. The information contained within this page does not constitute legal advice. Any reliance you place on the information contained within this page is done so at your own risk.
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