While the vast majority of motorcycle riders are well aware that storms and substantial rainfall may make the roads extremely hazardous, many motorcycle riders are unaware that even a tiny quantity of rain can lead to a large increase in motorcycle accident rates. Continue reading to learn the facts, and then call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you have been wounded in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault.
Every year, thousands of people are killed or injured in motorcycle accidents
The unfortunate reality is that tens of thousands of vehicle accidents occur each year, including motorbike, automobile, and truck collisions, among others. In fact, more than 36,500 people perished in car accidents in only one year, in 2018. There are a variety of factors that contribute to these incidents, but it is not unusual for rain – even purportedly little rain – to have a role.
Why does rain increase the likelihood of a motorcycle accident occurring?
It is necessary to understand how rain impacts the situation before we can comprehend why even a tiny amount of rain might have an impact on the chances of a motorbike accident occurring. Any amount of moisture on the road can impair traction and make it more difficult for your tires to grip the road, increasing the likelihood that you will lose control of your motorbike while riding.
Having less traction between the road and the tires means it will take you longer to come to a complete stop, which may result in you colliding with a car in front of you, even though you would have had plenty of room to stop in dry circumstances. Finally, rain can impair vision, making it more difficult to see cars around you or to determine how far away they are in relation to your position.
Why light rain can be more dangerous than heavy rain at times
Not only can light rain still result in motorcycle accidents, but it may actually increase the likelihood of them occurring. Why? Because, while drivers are more inclined to slow down in a severe rainstorm, they may be less likely to do so if they believe it is “just” a light rain, according to the study. The results of one study, which looked at more than 125,000 fatal incidents between 2006 and 2011, revealed that even moderate rain raised the likelihood of an accident by 27 percent.
The best way to protect yourself when it’s raining
Taking another method of transportation while it is raining is a good idea if there is another mode of transportation available to you. A motorcycle rider already has a considerably increased risk of being badly hurt in an accident; you do not want to further raise your odds of being engaged in an accident by increasing your chances of being involved in an accident.
You may be able to bring a personal injury claim if you are hurt while out and about as a consequence of someone else’s carelessness or recklessness. The next step is to call The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 and ask for a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney.
