Common Hazards Motorcyclists Should Avoid on the Road

Motorcycling is risky and riders must be aware of the dangers.

• Poor road conditions, gravel or debris, animal crossing, other vehicles, blind spots, slippery surfaces such as bridge joints, and bad weather are all hazards to avoid.
• Rough roads make it hard to navigate, so always stay alert and look ahead. Gravel or debris on the road can cause slipping, so be cautious.
• Watch out for animals crossing unexpectedly. Other vehicles may not see you, so be aware of your surroundings.
• Slippery and uneven surfaces and bad weather make maneuvering difficult, so check the weather and be careful.

Knowing these hazards can help reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident and the severe injuries that often come with them.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, call Ktenas Injury Attorneys at at (312) 300-2515. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers.

What are the Most Common Road Hazards Faced by Motorcyclists?

Motorcyclists face many dangers on the road, like potholes and distracted drivers. Common road hazards include poor conditions, road debris, and other vehicles. Poor conditions can cause a rider to lose control and crash.

Motorcyclists should watch for debris and potholes. Other vehicles are a common hazard. Drivers may not see or anticipate motorcycles. Motorcyclists should be aware, and visible, and use defensive driving techniques to stay safe.

Hazardous Road Surfaces

Motorcyclists should be cautious of hazardous road surfaces. These include wet roads, loose gravel, potholes, and animal droppings. Wet roads are especially dangerous due to reduced traction. Loose gravel can cause wheel slippage or loss of control.

Potholes during inclement weather can create a bumpy ride and can lead to loss of control. Animal droppings can cause slipping. To stay safe, know the common hazards, wear protective gear, and be aware of your surroundings when riding.

Slippery Surfaces

Motorcycles are dangerous. Motorcyclists need to be aware and take extra measures for safety. Slippery surfaces are a hazard. Damp roads or oil patches make it hard to control a motorcycle and can cause accidents.

Look out for these surfaces and ride with caution. Avoid wet or icy conditions. These reduce traction and increase the risk of slipping. Slow down and hold onto the handlebars tightly to maintain control.

Slick Surfaces

Slick surfaces are dangerous for motorcyclists. They can be wet pavement, oil spills, leaves, or gravel. These surfaces make motorcycles unstable and prone to skidding.

Related: How Fault is Proven in Illinois Motorcycle Accident Claims

To avoid slick surfaces, be aware of them beforehand. Look for wet patches, oil spills, and slippery leaves. When you encounter slick surfaces, slow down and grip the handlebars firmly. Don't brake suddenly or make sharp turns.

Uneven Road Surfaces

Motorcyclists should be aware of and avoid uneven road surfaces. These include potholes, cracks, soft shoulder edges, manhole covers, and gravel or dirt sections. These hazards can cause them to lose control or be thrown from their motorcycles.

To avoid them, motorcyclists should be cautious, reduce speed, and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars.

Expansion Joints and Edge Breaks

Motorcyclists should avoid expansion joints and edge breaks on the road. Expansion joints are gaps in the pavement that expand and contract with temperature changes. These gaps can be deep and dangerous for motorcyclists. Edge breaks are abrupt drops along the road edges, also posing safety risks.

To avoid these hazards, motorcyclists should approach these areas with caution, reduce speed, and hold the handlebars firmly.

Oil Spills and Debris

Oil spills and debris are dangerous for motorcyclists. Motorcycles offer less protection than cars. Slippery surfaces like oil spills and debris can cause them to lose control and crash. Oil spills occur when vehicles leak oil onto the road. This can happen due to engine issues or a punctured oil tank. Debris can be anything from branches to rocks left on the road.

To avoid these hazards, motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings. They should watch out for debris and oil spills. They should reduce speed in these areas and maintain a firm grip on the handlebars.

Weather-Related Risks

Weather can be one of the biggest risks for motorcyclists on the road. Wind, rain, fog, and extreme temperatures can all create dangerous conditions that should be avoided when possible.

Strong Winds

Strong winds are dangerous for motorcyclists. They can cause accidents by making riders lose control of their motorcycles. Before riding, check the weather forecast for strong winds. If there are strong winds, it's best to wait until they calm down. When riding in strong winds, go slow, stay in control, and watch out for other vehicles.

Rain and Fog

Rain and fog are dangerous for motorcyclists. Riders should wear appropriate clothing and gear to stay safe. This includes water-resistant jackets, full-finger gloves, non-slip sole boots, and a helmet with a face shield or good visor. Visibility is reduced in rain and fog, so drive slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Learn More: How Much is a Motorcycle Accident Claim Worth?

Other Potential Risks

Motorcyclists face many risks on the road, including bad weather, potholes, and losing control due to speed. They should also watch out for animals on the road to avoid accidents. Motorcyclists are at higher risk of being hit by distracted drivers, so they should be alert and aware of other vehicles.

Additionally, they should be cautious of the condition of the roads they are riding on, as poorly maintained roads can lead to unexpected hazards.

Blind Spots and Low Visibility Areas

Motorcyclists must be aware of their surroundings on the road. Blind spots and low visibility areas are common hazards to watch out for. These areas can be hard to see and put motorcyclists at risk of accidents. Blind spots occur when motorcyclists are not easily seen by other drivers, especially around large vehicles, intersections, and curves.

Motorcyclists should stay away from blind spots when possible. Low visibility, such as poor lighting at night or heavy fog, also poses a danger as drivers may not see motorcyclists on the road.

Speed Limits and Reasonable Control of Speed

Motorcyclists must obey speed limits on the road. Exceeding the speed limit is dangerous and can result in collisions and fines. Always maintain a safe and controlled speed, even if there is no posted limit. This is especially important in unfamiliar or low-visibility areas. Avoid distractions like cell phones and music players while riding. These distractions can impair your awareness and speed control, leading to dangerous situations on the road.

Related: Most Common Injuries From Motorcycle Accidents

The Importance of Wearing Protective Gear

Motorcycling can be an exhilarating form of transportation, but it is important to be aware of the various hazards that exist on the road. One of the most important safety measures motorcyclists can take is to wear protective gear.

Wearing protective gear such as a helmet, gloves, boots, and reflective clothing will help protect motorcycle riders from serious injury or death in the event of an accident.

Call Ktenas Injury Attorneys Today for More Information

Motorcycle riders need to be aware of road hazards. These hazards include dangerous road conditions, distracted drivers, and vehicles passing too close. To stay safe, always wear protective gear and stay alert while riding.

If you're injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver's negligence, contact Ktenas Injury Attorneys. Our experienced Chicago auto accident attorneys will fight for your fair compensation. Call us today for a free consultation.