Riding & Sliding: Navigating Slippery Surfaces

As Seen in Midwest Motorcyclist Magazine

 

 

In most of the Northern United States, motorcycles are now stored for winter, and motorcyclists are thinking about the season to come. In warmer climates, though, bikers get to enjoy year-round riding. Even in the warmest parts of the country, the roads can get a little iffy in the winter. Rain, humidity, oil, fluids, and debris can cause you to slide, but slippery roads don’t have to ruin your ride. Here are some tips for dealing with slippery road conditions.

 

Rain

 

A lot of people think that the road is most slippery when it’s been raining hard for a while, but that’s not necessarily the case. Often, roads are slicker in light rain or just after it starts raining. This is because oil, fluids, and dirt that have accumulated since the last rainfall are lifted off the road surface when it first starts to rain, and it can take a while for them to be washed away. The result can be a slippery mess, so be most cautious at the start of a rain shower.

 

A couple of times while out riding myself, I’ve seen a truck leak or dump fluids onto the road. I’ve also seen a truck's hydraulic fluid hose come loose, which resulted in a huge puddle of slick liquid pouring into the lane ahead. If you see liquid on the road, it’s best to always assume that it is as slippery as oil, and react accordingly. Generally, the slipperiest part of the road is the middle of the lane, between the tire ruts. This is where most motor vehicles drip oil and fluids onto the road. Many experts suggest that motorcyclists riding in a light drizzle or at the beginning of a rainfall should try to ride in the tire ruts or closer to the centre line in order to avoid the middle of the lane.

 

If it’s raining when you leave the house, or the forecast calls for rain while you’re out, dress for it. There are many lightweight, comfortable options available to keep you dry while you ride. Many raingear products can be folded to the size of a sandwich bag, so there’s no reason you can’t throw it into your bags or even in your pocket if you think you might need it later. Riding dry lets you focus on the road instead of how uncomfortable you feel when you get wet.

 

Paint, Tape, Debris, and Metal

 

Most motorcyclists know that larger painted areas are bad news for traction. Paint, patches to the roadway, and other debris on the road can get slick even when they’re just a little damp. Morning dew can be a problem even on a clear day, as this small amount of moisture can turn a painted crosswalk or a manhole cover into a slip-n-slide for motorcyclists. Street marking tape, like the stuff used to mark a crosswalk or writing on the road gets particularly slick with very little moisture. Debris like trash or fallen leaves can absorb quite a bit of moisture and hold it for a while. That means that even after the rain has stopped, debris in the road may still be slippery. Same goes for metal plates, manhole covers, train tracks and expansion joints: they can all be deceptively slippery if it’s been raining or if the weather is humid.

 

Good riding in bad weather

 

There are different tactics for dealing with questionable road conditions. Some bikers and experts will tell you to test your braking or traction if you think it’s safe to do so, while others say you should simply reduce your speed and ride with caution. The thing is, every rider is different and will deal with obstacles and road conditions in different ways, according to whatever works for them.

 

Most bikers and experts do agree a few rules of thumb on when it comes to questionable road surfaces. First, leave yourself more time and space for braking or evasive maneuvers than you might on a beautiful, clear day. Leaving more distance between yourself and other vehicles will also minimize how much spray you get from other vehicles. Second, think about where you’re riding. If you’re riding through a toll booth, in an infrequently washed parking garage, or through a construction zone with a lot of dust, these surfaces could be more slippery than you’d expect; it’s not just the roads you need to worry about! Be aware of your surroundings and ride accordingly. Third, reduce distractions. The more you focus on the road, the more likely you are to have a good ride. Finally, no matter what the road conditions or obstacles, you’re more likely to stay right side up if you steer, brake, and maneuver smoothly and with confidence.

 

Sometimes it’s Safer to Wait it Out

 

 

The best advice anyone can give you about riding in slippery conditions: don’t. If you get caught in severe weather, find a safe and sheltered spot to wait out the worst of it. Riding in the rain doesn’t have to suck, and with a little preparation and some smart riding, you can reduce how much the weather affects your ride. 

 

Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a national attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years.  Jason feels a duty to give back to his community. A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign.  Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877-BIKER LAW. Or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com