What To Do If You Get Caught In Bad Weather

Most Arkansas residents know how unpredictable the weather can be and getting caught in the rain as a biker can be a little unnerving, especially if you are not prepared. Riding in rain can pose a high danger risk, but there are certain steps that you can take when being caught in the middle of a rainstorm that will help keep you safe.

Why Riding in Rain is Dangerous

The first few minutes of a rainstorm are usually the most dangerous. When rain first hits the pavement, it brings oil to the surface, causing it to become slick. This increases the chances of hydroplaning or slipping. Rain can also cause poor visibility, which is extra dangerous for motorcyclists since they don’t have the luxury of windshield wipers.

How To Stay Safe:

Have the Right Gear on Hand

The first thing you need to make sure you have is the right gear and equipment in case you get caught in bad weather.

• Having on highly visible and/or reflective gear can help other drivers see you on the road.
• Waterproof jacket and boots can help you to stay dry.
• Water-resistant gloves can help improve your grip from the rain.
• A helmet with an anti-fog visor can help maintain visibility.

Keep Calm

If it starts to rain while you are on the road, the first thing to do is to not panic. If you begin to panic, you might suddenly start to make rash decisions like speeding up to get where you’re going quicker, hitting your brakes too hard or even overcorrecting a turn which can all lead to an accident. Instead, the best thing to do is to remain calm, pay more attention to the road and just be in control of your bike.

Watch Your Speed

Rain reduces your ability to see so make sure to reduce your speed (to the extent that it’s safe to do so). Ride slower so that you have more time to react calmly, and this can decrease the severity of a fall or collision. You can also turn on your hazard lights to increase your visibility to other drivers in a heavy downpour.

Drive Defensively

Make sure to put more space between you and other vehicles as you will likely need more time to come to a stop. When you begin to brake, brake gently and early, same with acceleration. No matter how safely you may be riding, you can’t trust that other drivers will do the same.
It’s important to be defensive as a biker, especially in bad weather. You never want to assume other drivers can see you or that they will make safe decisions. Always be aware of your surroundings and especially be alert to what other drivers are doing.

Know When and Where to Stop

There may come a point where it’s too dangerous to continue going. The rain may become too heavy and you may have a hard time seeing what’s in front of you. If you’re nervous about driving in the rain, it’s best to pull over until the rain stops or until you’re comfortable enough to continue. It’s not worth the risk to keep driving in the rain just to get to your destination on time. If you do decide to pull over, make sure it’s somewhere you can park like a gas station or a similar location where you’ll have some cover from the rain. Avoid pulling over on the side of the road since your motorcycle offers little protection from the rain and other drivers.

Rainwater, Holt & Sexton is here to help.

You should make every attempt to avoid driving your motorcycle in the rain, but it’s not always avoidable. If you or a loved one are injured by another driver in a rainstorm, the attorneys at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton are here to help! Our experienced injury attorneys will evaluate your case, examine all aspects of your accident, and explain your legal options, so you can choose the path that is right for you and your family. Best of all – we offer this free of charge. It’s our no fee guarantee!