Rider Fatigue Impacts Focus and Safety
Rider Fatigue isn’t a minor issue; it can become a fatal flaw. Over 40 % of long-distance motorcyclists say report struggling with fatigue while they’re on the road. Unlike speed or impairment, fatigue remains invisible and behind the scenes. It often creeps in stealthily and doesn’t show its face until it’s too late. The Car Crash Captain explores the reasons, and what riders can do to stave off that fatigue and avoid an accident.
What Causes Rider Fatigue
We’ve all been sleepy on the road. That dull and monotonous thrum of the pavement, the barely changing landscape, and the fact that we’re sitting and not doing a whole lot cause the body to think it’s sleepy time. On a motorcycle, however, things can compound a bit more. There are more factors leading to drowsy riding.
Physical Strain – as you cruise down the open road on a motorcycle, you’re not all comfy like in a car. Vibrations you must compensate, wind in your face, and muscle tension might not seem like much, but after numerous hours, those things add up.
Dehydration – Exposed to the sun, and the wind whipping away your perspiration, mean you can get dehydrated fast without realizing it.
Mental Exhaustion – Riding a motorcycle is thrilling, but other motorists still aren’t paying a whole lot of attention to those on two wheels. This means riders have to be more vigilant to watch out for every little hazard.
All of those things start to add up. Combine it with the fact that you may have gotten up early to hit the open road, and your body craves a bit of rest.
Fatigue Warning Signs
As you get fatigued, you might not feel sleepy (drowsiness and fatigue are related, but different). There are some tell-tale signs that it’s time to pull over and take a little break.
Daydreaming – If you find your mind wandering, it’s likely because your brain is trying to close off as much as possible to save energy. Daydreaming can lead to closing those eyes; closing those eyes can lead to a bad wreck.
Sore Muscles – Sitting for too long is going to cause sore muscles and joints. If you’ve been on your motorcycle for so long that you find yourself getting sore, it’s time for a little rest.
Frequent Yawning – We yawn when we’re tired. Frequent yawning means your body is struggling to pump enough oxygen to the brain.
Slow Reactions – If you notice some near misses that you could usually spot a long way off and avoid, it means your brain isn’t processing things fast enough.
Bad Decisions – Just keep swimming is great if you’re a clown fish. Just keep riding isn’t a good decision if you’re feeling tired but “almost there, just push through.”
These telltale signs mean you need to take a little break sooner rather than later. But even before the rider fatigue starts in, there are ways to stave it off so you don’t even get to the warning signs.
Smart Ways to Prevent Rider Fatigue
Long distance riders aren’t out there trying to get from point A to point B. Some motorists are, the road trip is all about getting to the destination for them. But for those on two wheels, it’s often the journey they’re after, and not as much about getting to an end point. This frees up a little room to help with these fatigue busters.
Frequent Breaks – In a car, you can sometimes roll along for 4 hours at a time without worry. On a motorcycle, plan breaks every 60 to 90 minutes. Take a look around, explore a bit, discover the area as you recharge.
Hydration – On those frequent stops, sip on your water. Keep the body nice and hydrated to ensure the brain stays alert.
Eat Right – We’ve all been there, especially on Thanksgiving. You eat a big meal and your body sends all sorts of blood to the stomach to start the digestion process. Next thing you know, you’re nodding off while watching football. Great for a lazy Thursday; terrible on the road. Eat lighter meals, avoid alcohol, and stay alert.
Better Equipment – If you’re on the open road, comfy seats and handlebars are going to help keep you fresh. Invest in upgrades to ensure you aren’t spending your energy fighting poorly designed equipment.
The most important tip on preventing rider fatigue, is to not worry about the ego. If you’re tired, you’re tired, take a little break so you don’t take a long break in the hospital after a motorcycle crash.
Legal Implications after a Motorcycle Wreck
Suppose fatigue gets the best of you, what next? There are some legal implications that can come into play, even if you’re the victim and not the at-fault party.
Insurance companies know what to look for and how to argue against the victim. They know what factors come into play that can lower your settlement, or even allow them to deny it completely. If you’re on a long distance motorcycle trip, they know fatigue is an issue and can argue that you were too tired and you caused the crash.
Those frequent breaks are going to be your lifesaver. In fact, one little extra step can help prove your case. Document your breaks and your ride plan. An email to friends telling your route and planned stops establishes beforehand that you intentionally refreshed. A quick text along the way, at each break, saying something like, “Taking a break, getting water, a snack, and using the facilities” creates time-stamped proof that you weren’t taking unnecessary risks.
The little things matter when proving innocence, and it really only takes a few minutes.
Herbert Law Group is Here for You
The legal team at Herbert Law Group wants to ensure that motorcycle wreck victims aren’t walked all over by the insurance companies.
When you’re doing the right thing, riding smart and not just long, we can help you if something terrible happens.
Let’s learn about what happened and figure out the best course of action to ensure your settlement is as big as possible. Call our offices at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site and we’ll be in touch with you for a free, no obligation phone call.