Some of the dangers involved with riding a motorcycle may be clearer than others. Motorcyclists should, of course, be ever vigilant but they are unable to control every factor they may face while driving. Dangerous road conditions can creep up on a motorcycle driver in no time and it is an important part of motorcycle safety to review what types of hazardous roadways may be lurking.
HAZARDOUS ROADWAYS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Some of the most dangerous roads in New Hampshire cannot be avoided or controlled by motorcyclists. Often, roadways that become hazardous to motorcyclists may be due to construction, neglect to upkeep roadways causing potholes, and even inclement weather can turn a roadway dangerous. The New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles motorcycle safety training utilizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation “Motorcycle Operator Manual” for New Hampshire motorcycle training courses. The manual outlines some of the most prominent dangerous roadway conditions for motorcycle operators.
Handling Dangerous Surfaces
Handling a motorcycle on dangerous surfaces is one of the most common roadway hazards for a motorcyclist. A motorcyclist’s chance of falling off of their bike or crashing increases when they ride across the following surfaces:
- “Uneven surfaces or obstacles;
- Slippery surfaces;
- Railroad tracks; and
- Grooves and gratings.”
Uneven surfaces or obstacles can happen when a road is under construction, or needs to be, and there are bumps from broken pavement, potholes, or even small pieces of highway trash that can be quite dangerous for a motorcycle driver. For obvious reasons, slippery surfaces provide poor traction for your motorcycle, so wet pavement after rain, gravel roads, mud, snow, and ice, as well as manhole covers all pose a greater risk of causing an accident when wet. There are several safety measures a motorcyclist can take when forced to ride on slippery surfaces:
- Reduce speed;
- Avoid sudden moves;
- Use both brakes;
- Avoid the center of the lane when raining;
- Watch for oil spots;
- Beware of loose dirt and gravel on the sides of the road; and
- Be aware that snow and ice melt at different speeds depending on the location of the surface.
In addition, riding a motorcycle over railroad tracks, rain grooves, or gratings on a bridge can cause a motorcycle to weave. Be careful to maintain the ride straight across these obstacles so you are sure to stay in your own lane, therefore alleviating the possibility of an accident with another vehicle on the roadway. Though motorcyclists are expected to operate their vehicles with the utmost of safety at all times, hazardous roadways can occur in a number of scenarios and accidents do happen.
NEW HAMPSHIRE MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AT TENN AND TENN, P.A.
Motorcycles have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and hazardous roadways can pose a real threat to motorcycle operators, causing significant injury or even death. When motorcycle accidents are caused by a state or a municipal entities failure to properly maintain or mark their roads, “the victim can sue for monetary compensation related to the costs of treatment, future medical care, lost wages, and more.”
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to a hazardous roadway you need to contact a skilled and experienced New Hampshire motorcycle accident lawyer at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today!