Your motorcycle is the perfect perch for watching the world go by on the open road. As temperatures start to drop and the leaves on the trees start to change color, you may decide it’s time to take some late-season rides to enjoy that beautiful foliage.
Nothing is stopping you from heading out for a brisk autumn ride, although you may want to invest in warmer gear for late-season rides. However, it’s important that you think about the big safety risks associated with riding in the cooler seasons.
Lower light and longer nights
Fall is when the days really start getting colder and when the tilt of the Earth’s axis away from the Sun starts becoming more obvious. The chances are greater for there to be situational glare that affects your visibility when you drive during transitional times of the day.
There will also be more hours of the day when it is dark, making it harder for people to see you. It’s important to remember that drivers often overlook motorcyclists even in perfect conditions at the height of summer. If you intend to ride in the fall, prioritizing visibility may be in your best interest.
Those leaves can be as hazardous as they are pretty
Did you know that researchers say that dry leaves can be even more slippery than wet leaves on the road?
In a vehicle, hitting a patch of leaves might mean that you lose control for a few seconds and swerve. On a motorcycle, it might mean that you go down. You need to keep a good eye out for leaf coverage on the road, avoid leaves when possible and slow down drastically if you cannot.
Learning more about different seasonal risks can help you reduce your chances of getting into a motorcycle crash this autumn. If you are in a wreck, make sure you take step to protect your legal interests.