A Guide To Common Road Hazards For Motorcycle Riders
Road hazards tend to affect motorcycle riders more than other motorists. It's due to many factors, such as the smaller frame size and fewer wheels. It's important that motorcycle riders understand common road hazards and how to deal with them, which is why we created the following safety guide.
For more tips or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Arizona Honda. Our dealership is located in Snowflake, Arizona, and we also serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.
Road Ruts
As vehicles drive around on roads, their heavy weight compresses and pounds the road's surface. After enough time and traffic, indentations start appearing. These road hazards are called road ruts and are usually found where commuter vehicle tires are located.
Road ruts pose an extra hazard to two-wheeled vehicles. Because a motorcycle's wheels are centered, it can be highly destabilizing to hit a road rut. This can lead to drag, wobble, and even a loss of control of the vehicle.
The solution? Try to avoid road ruts as much as possible. Keep your eyes peeled as you ride so you can identify any road ruts quickly and then adjust your path to steer clear.
Potholes
Potholes are a nuisance for all vehicles, but they are an even more aggravating road hazard to motorcyclists. Hitting a pothole can cause problems such as turning the motorcycle wheel sidewise, bending a wheel rim, or even fracturing a wheel rim.
Similar to the solution for road ruts, it's important to be on high alert for pot holes. When road conditions are wet, remember that a puddle could have a pot hole lurking underneath its surface. Avoid potholes and puddles as much as possible.
Road Work
Road work is another road hazard that's worse for motorcycle riders. It's due to the metal plates often found at road work sites.
Going over a metal plate can create quite a bump for a motorcycle rider, which can cause issues if the rider is not paying attention or has not slowed down enough. But add water from recent rain and the metal plate becomes a more severe safety hazard. The water transforms the metal plate into an exceptionally slick surface.
If you notice a metal plate, see if you can avoid crossing over it. If you are unable to, focus on riding in a straight line and at a lower speed. Try not to turn on the plate, which could easily lead to a slideout.
Ready to shop motorcycles for sale? Explore the selection at Arizona Honda. Check out the models online or visit our dealership in Snowflake, Arizona. We also proudly serve those in Holbrook and Show Low, Arizona.