Safety Tips for Spring Riding in Texas
Spring is underway, and that means more and more bikers will be out on the road. Whether you ride yourself, or you are sharing the road with a motorcycle rider, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to sharing the road. That also means knowing what the weather in North Texas can throw at you during the spring months.
The Car Crash Captain has rounded up a few tips to help ensure we all arrive at our destinations safely. Just remember, if you are injured, or a loved one is killed, you need a Texas personal injury lawyer on your side to ensure you receive the full compensation that you deserve.
What can the Texas Spring Weather Throw at You
Spring in the Dallas area means mostly great weather… with some unpredictable storms mixed in. Often it’s not a huge deal, but when you’re on two wheels, those storms can be a source of worry.
Be Prepared for Sudden Storms
A lot of our Texas storms are predictable. We know they’ll come up, and when they should taper down or end. But sometimes, there are some storms that sneak their way in. They hit harder than expected, or last longer than we anticipated.
If you’re caught in a storm, it’s important to pay even more attention to traffic around you. It’s going to take longer for everyone to stop, visibility will be diminished, and hazards could end up in the road. If it gets too bad, pull off the road and wait it out. It’s not worth getting to your destination early.
Don’t Discount High Winds
Often storms come in without a lot of rain, but with a lot of wind. Those gusts can get fierce and end up leading to a variety of problems.
- Dust storms are nothing to be taken lightly.
- Downed trees, powerlines, billboards, or other foreign objects could end up in your path.
- It takes surprisingly small gusts to move a motorcyclist around the road.
- Wind often precedes rain.
While it might not seem like it, wind can often be more dangerous than the rain.
Hot Days are Common
The cool nights of spring make for some lovely mornings and evenings. Those cool mornings, however, quickly give way to hot days.
You may bundle up for your morning commute, and when you’re whipping down the road and it’s barely 50 degrees out, it feels good to be completely bundled up.
However, on your ride home, when it’s over 80 degrees, all that extra clothing can quickly cause you to overheat. Depending on how long your commute is, or if you’re out riding in the afternoon and into the evening to enjoy the nice weather, heat stroke can sneak on in. Check out our previous blog on how to prevent heat stroke while riding.
Don’t ditch the protective gear, but be aware of your body temperature and what’s going on when it starts getting hot out there.
A Few Tips for Safe Riding
Of course, it’s not all about the weather. It’s about being able to read the other traffic on the road, and making sure that your riding abilities are on par.
If you took the winter off, do a couple of shorter rides to get your biker legs back under you. Regain the feel for two wheels, so you’re comfortable out there.
Pay extra attention in the spring weather. Motorists aren’t used to as many bikes on the road, so they’re not watching nearly as well.
Loud pipes save lives is largely a myth. Don’t rely on sound alone.
Go through the T-CLOCS list to ensure all is working properly.
And, as always, make sure you’re wearing the proper safety gear. Many wrecks that end up being lethal could have had a much better outcome.
Herbert Law Group Helps Texas Motorcycle Accident Victims
Whether you’re a novice or an advanced rider, wrecks happen. And when you’re on two wheels, there’s a high probability that injuries, or death, will be the result.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident in Texas, and you have been injured, you need Herbert Law Group to help you receive the settlement that you deserve. A settlement that will cover your expenses and allow you to heal completely.
It all starts with a phone call to see how we can help. Just dial 214-414-3808, or fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch with you.