If you’re a fan of motorcycle riding, you would know the thrill of zooming on open roads for hours. But while riding during the summers or other seasons can be easier, the process of riding becomes much tougher during monsoons. Slippery roads are the biggest cause of motorcycle accidents.
Did you know that between 2010-2012, there were 382, 352, and 457 deaths caused by bike accidents during the monsoons in Florida? In case you want to ride your bike during the rainy seasons, here are some tips you must keep in mind to avoid grievous injuries or even death.
- No speeding
The first and most important thing to remember is to not drive too fast or rashly under any circumstances.
When you ride down a wet down, you lose traction, which leads to a loss of control over your motorcycle. The ideal speed to maintain is about 30-50 kph, where you can easily control your motorcycle.
In case there’s fog or smog where you’re planning to ride, it’s even better to further lessen the speed until you feel comfortable and safe. Riding at a safe speed ensures that you shall be able to avoid any mishaps. Try not to ride for the first showers, since the leaked oil and coolant are washed during this time.
- Maintain a safe distance
It is always best to maintain a good distance between your bike and the vehicle in front of you, no matter the season. But during monsoons, it becomes even more important. Due to loss of traction, it becomes tougher to stop your bike on a wet road to avoid a collision.
Moreover, do not follow a car too closely. A car can miss a pothole or two, but a bike cannot. And the water splashed behind by the car’s wheels will make it even harder to see or drive.
- Brake gently
It’s better to use both the disc and drum brakes on your motorcycle while braking. If you use just the front disc brakes during monsoon, there can be a nasty slip. The drum brakes will also not be able to provide much power then.
Ideally, you should gently press the drum brakes and tap the disc brakes. This will lower the speed at which you’re riding and make the braking easier. Get your brakes and brake fluid checked if you haven’t ridden the bike for a long time.
- Focus on the road
When you ride the bike, it is best to keep an eye on the road and concentrate there. Watch out for potholes, muddy puddles, stray animals, pedestrians, and foggy weather.
Never ever ride your bike while talking on the phone or listening to music, especially during the rainy season. Your full focus should be on the road and what’s ahead of you.
If the visibility is low, keep an eye out for road signs and traffic lights. While parking or stopping your bike, avoid trees since they might be struck down by lightning and a broken branch can topple right on top of your bike.
- Avoid waterlogged roads
Just like too much water can damage cars, it can also cause harm to your bike. Your motorcycle batteries, engine, and other parts can be severely damaged. So it’s best to avoid waterlogged roads as much as possible. While riding, give a gentle throttle so that no water enters through the exhaust pipe.
Waterlogged areas can also hide potholes and if you’re not careful enough, your bike may get stuck in one. Riding in these areas will also take much more time to reach your destination, so avoid them at all costs.
- Ride with proper gear
Riders are very vulnerable to road accidents, and that is why you must always ride with the appropriate monsoon gear. Buy a full-face helmet, waterproof riding jacket and pants, and safety pads. These will protect you while riding and absorb most of the impact in case you fall off.
Over to you…
Before taking your bike out for a ride in the monsoon, get it checked and repaired. A healthy bike will perform much better and be safer on the roads.
You will also not have to worry about breakdowns and damages while riding. Wash your bike off the mud and dirt after every ride, and take proper precautions all the time. If you are mindful and responsible, you will have a safe and wonderful experience while traveling.
