Motorcycle Accidents in Bad Weather
When you are on your motorcycle, you are far more vulnerable to the risks of the road, and when the weather is bad, these risks spike. Too many motorists fail to slow down in bad weather, making our roadways far more dangerous. Because you are more difficult to see when you’re on your bike and are more susceptible to the effects of bad weather, the negligence of other drivers can have disastrous consequences for you.
Injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence in bad weather? It’s time to consult with the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Matthews Injury Law.
Bad Weather is Even More Dangerous for Motorcyclists
Bad weather makes the road more dangerous for everyone, but motorcyclists are in even greater danger. Because you travel on only two wheels, you have less traction with the road, and even a relatively minor tap can topple your bike. The safest response to bad weather is to get off the road as soon as you can.
Motorcyclists Require More Room on the Road in the Face of Bad Weather
The fact is that bad weather can come out of nowhere, and motorcyclists like you can get caught in it. The other drivers with whom you share the road are responsible for safely accommodating you. This includes affording you the space you need to navigate safely. If another motorist crowds you, it can be exceptionally dangerous and speaks to their negligence.
Lane Splitting is Illegal in Tampa
It should be noted that lane splitting is illegal in Florida. And when the weather is bad, it is more likely to prove deadly.
Excess Speed
The posted speed limits on our roadways indicate the maximum legal speed under ideal conditions. When bad weather hits, drivers must reduce their speed. Precipitation and fog both reduce visibility, and driving safely in low-visibility conditions requires drivers to slow down. High winds also make it more difficult to maintain safe control behind the wheel, and lane drift is not uncommon.
The only safe response to any bad weather is to reduce speed. Motorists who refuse to slow down when the weather turns bad make our roads more dangerous for everyone on them. And motorcyclists can pay the ultimate price.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning deserves its own attention. When a vehicle hydroplanes, it can lose all grip on the road due to a film of water on the road surface. This highlights the importance of slowing down in response to precipitation and of allowing motorcyclists plenty of space to protect their safety.
Other Driver Negligence
Just because the weather is bad doesn’t mean that drivers won’t engage in other forms of negligence besides excess speed. Common examples include:
- Distraction
- Impairment
- Exhaustion
- Aggression
An Experienced Tampa Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a bad-weather motorcycle accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, a resourceful Tampa motorcycle accident attorney at Matthews Injury Law will spare no effort in the protection of your rights and pursuit of your rightful compensation. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 813-530-1000 today.