Riding In The Rain: Motorcycle Safety Tips

For some motorcycle enthusiasts, the sight of a rain cloud may be the bearer of bad news or strike fear in the hearts of those already on the road. Fortunately, there are a few ways to ride safer in the rain and not let the weather get in the way of the passion to ride. There are many different types of motorcycle classes that teach safety and how to ride in the rain. Depending on your insurance company, you might be eligible for a discount on your motorcycle insurance if you complete one of these classes. Plus, you'll  be better informed about how weather can affect motorcycle safety. CoverHound is here with a few tips to make it through the rain:‍

Get the gear‍

In the case of an accident, having the right gear can make a big difference. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable for serious injuries, but a properly fitted helmet is the best way to protect yourself. Waterproof boots, gloves and rain protective gear can also help keep you dry and comfortable while providing a better grip.‍

Wait 15 minutes‍

The first 15 minutes of rainfall is when roads are the slickest, making it the best time to avoid riding on the road. Cars will leave drops of oil, fuel, brake fluid and other particles on the ground over time. When rain first hits, it mixes with these liquids and becomes extremely slick. If you're already riding when it starts raining, it might be a good idea to pull over in a dry area and wait until it stops, or at least until after 15 minutes have passed.‍

Go slowly‍

One of the biggest factors in dangerous accidents that involve injury is speed. Going too fast can greatly increase the risk of getting into an accident. In the rain, it may be harder to come to a stop if you lose traction and slide, as water acts like a lubricant on the road.‍

Avoid puddles‍

While it might seem like splashing in puddles is an innocent and playful experience, it can actually be dangerous on a motorcycle. It can be nearly impossible to know how deep a puddle is - especially if you're cruising along. In any case, you don't really know what you could be riding into. It's better to stay alert, keep your eyes on the road and avoid riding through puddles.‍

Test traction‍

Traction is crucial when the road is slippery. If you don't know how slick it might be and are concerned about riding your motorcycle, go for a test run of a few hundred feet at a moderate speed. Check if you are skidding on the back wheel.‍

Find the groove‍

If there is a car in front of you on the road, try to ride behind one of the wheels. The ground is likely to be dryer and the car's wheels may push any sludge on the road out of the way. Riding on smoother and dryer pavement is safer than wet. Additionally, following behind one wheel will enable you to swerve out of the way more quickly if the car in front stops abruptly.