The Dangers Of Riding A Motorcycle At Night
Florida is a popular destination for motorcyclists, drawing riders with its warm weather and long stretches of scenic highways. Unfortunately, there are a lot of risks that go along with motorcycle riding, especially at certain times of the day. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), for instance, reports that the majority of fatal motorcycle accidents occur in the evening and nighttime hours.
Riding at Night is Riskier
Riding a motorcycle is always more dangerous in the event of a crash with another passenger vehicle, as riders are often thrown into the road and don’t benefit from the cushioning or restraint of airbags and seatbelts. Traveling at night makes riding a motorcycle even more dangerous, as it significantly decreases the rider’s field of vision, a problem often worsened by poor roadway lighting and hazardous weather conditions. This limited visibility can make it a lot harder to see and avoid things like potholes, loose gravel, debris, and other road defects that can easily cause an accident for the less-protected motorcyclist. It is also more likely that a rider will encounter drivers who are fatigued or driving under the influence of alcohol, both of which significantly slow reaction times and make it a lot harder for the rider to be seen.
Safety Tips for Nighttime Motorcycle Riding
If it’s absolutely necessary that a motorcyclist ride at night, it’s important that he or she understand the risks and take extra safety measures to compensate, such as:
- Wearing reflective gear and adding reflective tape to the motorcycle, both of which increase visibility at night;
- Making sure that headlights, taillights, and turn signals are clean;
- Keeping his or her helmet visor or goggles clean and considering the use of an anti-fog visor;
- Refraining from looking directly at oncoming vehicle lights, instead looking to the shoulder of the road;
- Making use of his or her high beams when safe to do so, which makes it easier to see further and prevents eye strain;
- Using extra caution when passing other vehicles and making an effort to stay out of the blindspots of large trucks;
- Remaining vigilant for animals (which may be more likely to come out at night); and
- Allowing for a slowed reaction time by lowering speed at adjoining side roads and intersections.
Unfortunately, even the most careful and conscientious of motorcycle riders could end up injured in an accident because of another driver’s negligence. In these cases, the victim can seek compensation by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer, or can even seek reimbursement directly from the at-fault party by filing a lawsuit in court.
Contact Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one were hurt in a Florida motorcycle accident, call Anderson & Anderson to speak with one of our experienced Tampa motorcycle accident attorneys about your legal rights. We can help you determine who was at fault for your crash and the best way to seek compensation for your losses. To schedule a consultation, call us at 813-251-0072 or fill out one of our online contact forms.
Sources:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813306
dmv.ny.gov/driver-training/motorcycle-manual-ride-within-your-abilities
