blog home Motorcycle Accidents Motorcycle Safety Tips for Autumn

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Autumn

By Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie on December 12, 2019

Post Image

Autumn is the perfect time of year for riding. The air is crisp and refreshing, the skies are bluer, and some leaves are changing colors in Southern California. But riding in the fall comes with its own set of hazards. The following motorcycle safety tips can help you have a safe and pleasant ride.

Check Your Tires and Fluids

Make sure your tire tread depth is at least 2/32 of an inch. If it is not, you need new tires. You get less traction with colder concrete in cooler autumn weather, and you will need the tread depth to channel water away from your tire surfaces in case of autumn rains. Check your fluids and make sure your brake fluid is clean. If you have a liquid-cooled engine, check to be sure the coolant is fresh.

Dress in Layers

Temperature can change drastically during the day in autumn. While early mornings and late evenings are often chilly, temperatures can climb into the mid-70s or higher during the day. The best solution to extreme temperature fluctuations is to dress in layers. Start with a good, insulating base layer, with comfort and breathability, and wear comfortable riding clothes on top. Pack an extra fleece or a similar garment for additional warmth.

Beware of Autumn Leaves

Falling leaves create visual hazards on the road and the trails. Wet, falling leaves can stick to your visor or obscure branches in your path. Fallen leaves on the ground are an equal hazard. They can camouflage holes, rocks, or protruding objects on trails, or cover up drains and waterways on the roads. Wet, slippery leaves on the ground can cause traction issues and lead to a crash.

Watch Out for Wildlife

Wild animals are more actively searching for food in the fall. Deer feed close to roads, usually at dusk or dawn. Try to maximize your peripheral vision and stay alert for riding hazards to give yourself more reaction time. Slow down, be ready to brake, and keep your eyes moving if you are riding in areas where wildlife is likely to be present.

Pay Attention to Roads That Are Frosty or Cooler

When the concrete is colder, your bike gets less traction. Tires will come up to temperature with continuous riding, but slowly, and they cool down much faster when you stop. Mornings can be chilly in the fall, and a thin layer of frost can cause loss of traction. Ride in the middle of the road, if possible, as more frost collects around the edges, and ride in car tire tracks when you can.

Check the Weather Often and Bring Your Rain Gear

Fall is famous for unpredictable weather. When fronts move in, temperatures can drop quickly, and chilling rain can lead to hypothermia. Keep a close eye on the weather in planning your route, and always pack rain gear as a precaution.

Related Articles:

(...)

Even if you aren't sure you have a case, give us a call at (888) 752-7474, or fill out our Free Case Review below.
We are here to help.

Free Case Review

We’re here to help.

We're sorry about what happened to you. It shouldn't have, and that's why we do what we do - go after justice for people who were injured by someone else. You're not alone. Reach out, engage with us, and contribute your expertise to the process. This is a relationship - we can learn just as much from you as you can from us!

After all, it's your needs we're fulfilling. If you want a great Orange County personal injury attorney who you can trust, contact Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie.

Se Habla Español مکالمه به زبان فارسی

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted via the info given through email, phone call, or text message.

Get In Touch

Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie
4400 MacArthur Blvd Ste 370
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Toll Free: (888) 752-7474
Local: (949) 752-7474
Email: contactus@allenflatt.com

Disclaimer: The information on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should formally consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Please be advised, however, contacting us, submitting a case to us, and/or discussing your case with us does NOT create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

©2024 Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie. All Rights Reserved.

Free Case Review

Our legal team is ready to help you. Complete the following form and a member of our staff will reach out to you within 24 hours to discuss your case. All submissions are confidentially reviewed by Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie.

Se Habla Español مکالمه به زبان فارسی

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted via the info given through email, phone call, or text message.