Motorcycle Accident Attorney: 7 Motorcycle Safety Tips for Summer
With long days and endless sunshine, summer remains one of the most popular times of the year for motorcycle riding. If you’re a motorcyclist in Riverside County, you have numerous beautiful destinations to road trip through – Joshua Tree National Park, Palm Springs, and Temecula to name a few. However, summer presents its own unique challenges, like excessive heat and crowded roadways. Motor vehicle drivers are always advised to share the road with motorcyclists, but do not always do so. This can lead to serious car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.
Keep the following safety tips in mind, and contact a motorcycle accident attorney if something happens on the road. We help victims recover compensation in motorcycle accident claims.
Top 7 Summer Motorcycle Safety Tips
1. Maintain your bike
Motorcycles must be maintained more frequently than other types of vehicles. Before you hit the road, make sure your bike is in good condition. Check the tire pressure, oil level, brakes, fluids, lights, and chain. You may also want to clean your bike and apply a protective wax to prevent sun damage. If you notice any problems or issues, get them fixed as soon as possible.
2. Wear the right gear
Even though it may be tempting to wear less clothing in the summer, you still need to protect yourself from injuries and sunburns. Wear a helmet, gloves, boots, and a jacket that are appropriate for the weather and your riding style. Choose light-colored and breathable fabrics that can keep you cool and comfortable. Don’t forget to put on SPF, and consider wearing a cooling vest or neck wrap.
3. Protect your eyes
The sun can be harsh on your eyes, especially when you are riding at high speeds. It can also impair your vision and make it difficult to see other vehicles, which can lead to a motorcycle crash. To avoid glare, dust, and insects, wear sunglasses or a helmet visor with UV protection that will help protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. You may also want to carry a spare pair of glasses or lenses in case you need to change them during the ride. Adjust your riding schedule to avoid the sun glare at its worst, which is usually an hour before sunset and an hour after sunrise.
4. Stay hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated, especially when riding in hot weather. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. To prevent this, drink plenty of water before, during, and after your ride. You can also carry a hydration pack with you so you can sip water while you ride. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you further and affect your coordination and reaction time. You may also want to bring some snacks or electrolyte drinks to replenish your energy and minerals.
5. Avoid holiday weekends
Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day weekend are the busiest times for travel for Americans. Roads are especially congested during these holiday weekends and for motorcyclists, that can spell danger. If possible, avoid riding during the holidays and at nighttime, when drunk driving accidents are more common.
6. Plan your ride for the right time
You’ve heard it before: the early bird gets the worm. Avoid the hottest time of day, which is generally in the afternoon between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Instead, ride early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature is cooler and the traffic is lighter. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and avoid riding in extreme heat or storms.
7. Make frequent stops
Riding for long periods of time can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, and heat exhaustion. To prevent this, make frequent stops along the way to rest, stretch, hydrate, and cool off. You may also want to find some shade or air-conditioned places to relax and recharge. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits and listen to your body.
Be Careful of Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is very common among motorcycle riders during the summer months. Be aware of these symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Muscle cramps
- Thirst
- Elevated body temperature
By following our summer motorcycle safety tips like staying hydrated, wearing light and breathable clothing, and taking frequent stops, you can prevent heat exhaustion. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Motorcycle Accidents Occur More Frequently in Summer
Due to more drivers on the road, good weather, and a rise in drunk driving, serious motorcycle crashes increase during the summer months. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 59% of motorcyclist deaths in 2021 occurred during May to September, with June being the peak month. To avoid a motorcycle accident this summer, keep in mind the following:
- While lane splitting is legal in California, it still can be extremely dangerous. Consider the width of lanes, the size of surrounding vehicles, and roadway conditions before lane splitting.
- Speeding is the top factor in most serious and fatal motorcycle accidents. Maintain an even speed and do not exceed the posted speed limit on any road.
- Motorcyclists who drink and ride put themselves at a high risk for a crash. Do not consume alcohol if you plan to ride.
- Trucks and other commercial vehicles have large blind spots. Be careful when passing trucks and avoid riding in blind spots.
- Watch out for potholes and other road hazards, as these can cause you to lose control of your bike and crash.
- Be visible out on the road by wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing and using high beams during the day.
Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Keep Riders Safe
A motorcycle accident is the single worst fear of any motorcycle rider. As a motorcycle accident law firm, we are there in a rider’s time of need. If you sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash caused by another motorist, we can help you obtain fair compensation through the at-fault party’s insurance company.
At Sycamore Accident Lawyers, we understand that medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering from an accident can cause immense stress in a person’s life. Our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Riverside will guide you through the process of filing a motorcycle accident claim to get back what you deserve. We offer a free consultation to get to know you and your case. Call us at (909) 703-2420.