Bad Weather Biking

The weather in Iowa is prone to quick fluctuations as spring takes hold and prepares the way for summer. The melting snow creates slick roadways and sudden cold fronts can turn that water into ice. Beyond these problems there are ongoing threats of fog, rain, thunderstorms, and other severe weather. Riding a motorcycle in adverse climate conditions poses additional challenges to riders, so it is of vital importance to develop the skills that will help to keep you safe on the roadway.

Part of the complication is that no two riders and bikes are exactly alike. Riding styles and body make-up can vary widely, so becoming more actively aware of how you handle your motorcycle and how it responds to your actions in different weather conditions is crucial to maximizing your safety. There are not only issues of basic handling to consider, but the road surface itself can become hazardous. Different levels of friction between dry and wet patches on the highway, collecting pools of water, and slick paint lines are just some of the extra worries that rain can bring.

When to Say When

Generally speaking, it is not advisable to ride in severe weather unless doing so is an absolute necessity. However, there are some conditions in which you should seek shelter without hesitation or avoid riding altogether. Lighting, for example, is an imminent threat to the life of a motorcyclist because he or she lacks the insulation that a car or truck provides.

As a rule of thumb, if you see a flash of lightning, count slowly until the thunderclap reaches your hearing. If you hear the roar before 30 seconds have passed, that means that you are at risk of being struck and should seek shelter right away. If possible, waiting for half an hour after you last hear thunder can give time for a storm to leave the area so that you can exit safely.

Hail, tornado warnings, and severe wind can also create unsafe riding conditions. It is best to try to find a current weather report before you leave your home or place of work so that you can have an accurate assessment of what you will face out there.

Contact Us

If you have questions about an accident or other motorcycle issues as they pertain to severe weather, contact Iowa motorcycle accident lawyer Pete Leehey at 877-209-9452.