November 7, 2018 | Blog
With fall firmly upon us and winter just around the corner, many people in the Indianapolis area are taking advantage of the last of this year’s milder weather and riding their motorcycles as much as possible. While fall can present a great time to ride, it can also expose riders to hazardous situations due to rapidly changing weather. As anyone who has lived in the area knows, Indiana weather can turn on a dime in the fall, and what seems like a gentle rain may become hail or even snow without warning.
Here are some ways to stay safe while riding during this time of year.
This one may seem obvious, but it bears repeating. If it’s snowing or there is ice on the roads, don’t ride. These conditions are dangerous enough for four-wheeled vehicles—for motorcyclists, they can become downright treacherous. If you’re already out and the weather starts to take a turn for the worse, get off the road or hide out under an overpass until it’s safe to go home.
Check the forecast before you hit the road on your bike. Even the most beautiful fall day can quickly turn ugly, so find out what the weather professionals are saying before taking it to the streets.
Suddenly changing weather can wreak havoc on motorcyclists. Precipitation and cold temperatures can make seeing or even holding on to your grips difficult. If you plan to ride this fall, always wear layers, and bring a waterproof layer in case you get stuck out in the rain or snow. In addition, always wear gloves that will keep your hands warm. Bring eye protection so you can see in the event of precipitation. It’s not a bad idea to outfit your bike with winter weather gear, such as a windscreen or heated grips. Finally, while Indiana law does not require motorcyclists 18 and older to wear helmets, it’s always a good idea to wear one.
Try as you might, you can’t prepare for the negligence of other drivers. Many drivers fail to account for changing weather conditions. For example, they may continue driving along at (or more than) the speed limit even in significantly reduced visibility. They may fail to turn on their lights during heavy storms. They may forget to engage their windshield wipers. Unfortunately, these and other errors in judgment or oversights can have devastating consequences, especially for motorcyclists. After a motorcycle accident, review your situation with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to determine whether you can file a claim.
Indianapolis personal injury lawyer Merry Fountain is a skilled injury advocate. If you are looking for a motorcycle accident attorney in the greater Indy area—Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Zionsville, Brownsburg, Avon, Kokomo, Lebanon—she’s here to help! Call her anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878), or simply click Tell Us About Your Case for a free consultation.