Safe Riding In The Rain
Ideally, you’d always be able to ride your motorcycle in peak conditions, with sun that’s not too hot, a gentle breeze and not a cloud in sight. However, you can’t always bank on the weather to work out for the best, especially when you’re a motorcycle commuter who rides rain or shine. Riding your motorcycle in the rain requires some prep work, special gear and attention to the road conditions that you just don’t have to worry about on a sunny day. At Woods Fun Center of Austin, we know the importance of road safety and want to help you get where you’re going without incident. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to safe riding in the rain so you can read up on how to prepare for those rainy days on the highway.
Equip Yourself Accordingly
Protective gear that improves your visibility and comfort is crucial when you’re riding in adverse weather conditions. Wind and rain combined will cause temperatures to drop quickly as you ride, so you’ll need to insulate yourself against the cold. While plastic rain gear or a heavy coat could help you stay warm and dry, there are better options that involve less bulk. Try wearing layers of thinner clothing under a good waterproof riding suit to stay dry instead. Waterproof boots and insulated gloves with good grip and even plastic knuckle shielding will help, too. Your helmet should ideally be a full-face style that prevents water from getting inside. Having on waterproof gear that lets the rain slide off you will do wonders to keep you comfortable even in the worst downpours.
Your other priority with your gear should be visibility. While it’s always important to ensure that drivers can see you on your bike, it’s even more vital when the weather prevents drivers from seeing everything around them. When you get a riding suit, make sure it has high-visibility reflective patches or bright caution colors. If this isn’t the case, you can always apply reflective tape yourself. You can increase the visibility of your motorcycle by applying reflective tape to it, too, and ensuring that all your lights and signals function well before you head out.
Slow Down
Obviously, going at top speed when you can’t see well or predict the road ahead isn’t the best idea. Slowing down below the speed limit and increasing your following distance are much safer choices. Other drivers might not be able to see you well or react to obstacles as quickly, so you’ll have to be more vigilant and ready to react to unpredictable swerves and turns. While defensive driving isn’t fun and can be a little stressful, following these practices will keep you safe until you arrive at your destination.
You should also slow down at all intersections, even if you have the right of way, because you can’t be sure someone else won’t blow through a red light or hydroplane into oncoming traffic. Look as far ahead as you can while you’re riding so you can better predict what your next course of action should be, whether it’s switching lanes or maneuvering around large trucks.
Ride The Dry Line & Avoid Low Traction Areas
The best place to ride on a wet road is on the dry line of pavement between the trenches created over time by cars. Those trenches will fill with water sooner than the rest of the road, so the driest place is between them, where the asphalt isn’t as worn down so traction is better. Avoid puddles at all costs since you don’t know how deep they are and you could hydroplane easily yourself. Watch for patches of oil in the road, too, as these will be made more slippery by the water. Guarding yourself by paying attention, not taking risks and keeping your focus is the best way to stay safe while riding in bad weather.
Still have questions about riding in the rain? Need to gear up for wet conditions? Come down to our dealership to talk with our experienced staff. We can also show you our full stock of new and used motorcycles if you’re in the market for a bike that can tackle inclement weather. Woods Fun Center serves the greater Austin metro region, including the cities of Round Rock, San Marcos and New Braunfels, Texas.