Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle in the Rain

When people think of terrifying thunderstorms, Florida is usually the state that comes to mind.  Almost every day in Florida, from Easter until Labor Day, there is a thunderstorm with lightning strikes that would make for award-winning photojournalism. Do not underestimate Louisiana, though. We have our own share of epic rainstorms, although they tend to be concentrated in the month of June, rather than spanning most of hurricane season. If you can make it through June, then you can reasonably expect to spend the next three months riding your motorcycle in the unrelenting muggy heat. 

You do not have to wait until July to take your bike out for a spin, though, even though a downpour could start at any moment in June. It is possible to ride your motorcycle safely in heavy rain, but only if you plan ahead. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in rainy weather conditions, contact a Houma car accident lawyer.

Dress to Stay Dry, Not to Look Cool

The appeal of biker fashion is so widespread that motorcycle jackets have become a wardrobe staple even for people who have never ridden a motorcycle; this has been the case ever since Marlon Brando rode across the screen in The Wild One in 1953. The clothes that you wear to look cool on your bike on a sunny day will not serve you well when you ride in the rain. Yes, some motorcycle boots are rainproof, but you should also wear a rain suit and waterproof gloves instead of your usual clothes. If possible, wear a helmet with an electronic defrost function for the visor. If you do not have an electronic defrost on your visor, then wear a clear visor instead of a tinted one.

Set Your Bike to Rain Mode

If your bike has a rain mode function, you should use it when riding in the rain. If it does not, set your throttle to the smoothest setting. Just as when driving a car, drive at lower speeds on wet roads.

Ride on the Driest Part of the Road

The road surfaces in Louisiana are notoriously uneven, but this can work to your advantage when riding in the rain. You can see where the water has pooled and where the road is relatively dry. Try to find a dry path on an elevated part of the road and follow it.

Know When Not to Ride

With proper equipment and reasonable caution, you can ride safely in sustained rain. Some weather is entirely unsafe for operating a motorcycle or any type of motor vehicle, though. If there is lightning, hail, or high winds, the best choice is to postpone your ride until after the weather improves. If the weather goes from rainy to scary while you are riding, get off the road as quickly as you can and take shelter.

Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey About Car Accident Cases

A personal injury lawyer can help you if you were injured in an accident while riding your motorcycle in the rain. Contact the Law Office of Patrick H. Yancey in Houma, Louisiana, to set up a consultation about your case.

Fuentes

https://www.cycleworld.com/sport-rider/five-tips-for-riding-motorcycle-in-rain-0/