Can You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain?

Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall

Bertrand Russell Parnall Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm

Riding a motorcycle in the rain is possible when equipped with the right gear. However, motorcycles are less stable and less visible in the rain, which reduces the performance of headlights and other illumination sources for riders.

Heavy rain makes it difficult for riders to see and avoid road hazards. Rain also tends to slow traffic, leading to start-and-go traffic and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Riders who lane split in heavy rain are at a particularly high risk of accidents.

Consult a trusted motorcycle accident attorney in New Mexico if injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence.

What Are the Dangers of Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain?

Motorcycle riders and their passengers are more vulnerable to poor weather and road conditions than occupants of enclosed vehicles. Motorcycles are less visible to drivers and pedestrians than four-wheeled vehicles.

Here’s why riding a motorcycle in the rain is so dangerous:

Increased Braking Distance

When the road is wet, covered in snow, or icy, it is naturally slippery, having a significant impact on your stopping distance. Oil naturally builds on a road as traffic continuously uses the road. While heavy rain may wash it away, light rain allows oil to rise to the surface, making driving incredibly dangerous.

In rain and wet weather, the stopping distance is twice as long as in dry weather. Motorcyclists should, therefore, maintain a longer distance between themselves and the front driver to create enough time to brake and come to a complete stop when necessary.

Reduced Visibility

Riding a motorcycle in the rain can be dangerous to the driver and passenger because of reduced visibility. Rain scatters light as it falls making the driver’s surroundings darker than normal.

Clouds also make it darker when it rains, making it difficult for the rider to perceive and avoid danger on time. The reduced light makes it difficult for the driver to recognize the contrast of different colored objects.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when a motorcycle tire encounters more water than it can spatter. The water pressure in front of the wheel pushes under the tire, causing it to be separated from the road by a thin film of water, leading to loss of traction.

Hydroplaning can lead to loss of braking, steering, and power control. Although it can occur on any road surface, the first 10 minutes of a light rain are the most dangerous.

Riders can minimize the risk of hydroplaning using the following tips:

Keep the tires of the bike properly inflated
Rotate and replace tires, as necessary
Drive in low gear during rains
Slow down when it rains; the faster you drive, the harder it is for the tires to scatter water.
Avoid hard braking
Avoid puddles and standing water

Tips to Stay Safe During a Motorcycle Ride

Avoid driving too fast. If you’re driving too fast, you risk running into a road hazard because of low visibility. Your reaction time is also compromised during rain, so drive slowly to arrive safely.
Keep your eye on the road at all times and avoid distractions
Pull over if the rain is too heavy for safe driving
Regularly inspect the tires of your bike to enhance your protection in all road conditions
Wear protective gear, including gloves, helmet, boots, and pants
Pay attention to speed limits, turn signals, and traffic lights
Be on the lookout for pedestrians
Anticipate unsafe maneuvers from other drivers
Perform regular inspection and maintenance of your tires, brakes, lights, and other critical components.
Ride within your limits by avoiding unnecessary risks.
Check the weather before starting your journey
Make yourself visible using reflective clothing
Know your bike by understanding how it rides and handles turns
Turn your headlights on when traveling in low visibility conditions like rain or fog

Should I File a Lawsuit After a Motorcycle Accident if I’m Injured?

Many injured victims obtain compensation from the insurer of the at-fault party. Even so, some motorcycle accident victims obtain compensation offers that barely cover their losses. You can initiate a motorcycle accident lawsuit to obtain a court order that forces the at-fault party to cover the full extent of your losses.

In other instances, you can file a lawsuit if the insurer of the at-fault party declines to settle your motorcycle accident claim. If the at-fault party blames you for the accident, arguing the case in court is an opportunity to establish fault.

Riders and their passengers rely on helmets and gear for protection, which is why their injuries are catastrophic. As a result, the value of their claims can be higher, and negligence claims with the at-fault driver are more complicated.

You should, therefore, gather evidence to prove the cause of the wreck and your injuries as a result of negligence by the other driver.

Here are pieces of evidence helpful for your motorcycle accident lawsuit:

Police accident report
Eye witness statements
Medical records, including medical bills, prescription notes, doctor’s notes, diagnostic tests, and receipts for specialized supplies and equipment
Pay stubs and tax returns
Video surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Traffic camera footage

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit?

You should file a motorcycle accident lawsuit as soon as possible in compliance with the deadline prescribed by the statute of limitations. Injured victims of motorcycle accidents generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in New Mexico.

You risk losing your right to compensation if you file a lawsuit beyond the three-year deadline. However, there are a few exceptions to the rule, including motorcycle accident claims against government entities or when a minor is an injured victim.

Get Legal Assistance from a Trusted New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Suppose you sustained a broken arm in an accident involving a speeding motorcycle rider. In that case, you may miss work for several weeks, leading to a loss of income. You, therefore, deserve representation from an experienced attorney who’ll aggressively pursue your right to compensation.

Parnall Law is a team of highly skilled personal injury attorneys with decades of experience representing motorcycle accident victims.