Summertime offers Minnesotans an opportunity to enjoy the lakes, visit festivals, and shake off the doldrums of the long cold months. This is especially true for motorcyclists. Snow, ice, and frost keep bikers off the road for much of the year. Whether you are going to a rally or just doing a long ride with your buddies, there are some hazards in the summer you should keep in mind to avoid a motorcycle accident.
Road Snakes
No, we are not talking about real snakes. As the temperatures rise, the tar sealing the cracks in the road can become very slick. This can take new riders by surprise and catch veteran riders off guard. If you are not careful, these snakes can take you and your bike down very quickly.
Potholes
These might go without saying, but depending on the severity of the winter, road crews may not have necessarily had a chance to address them all. Sometimes, those that have been addressed can be either overfilled or underfilled, leaving a hazard either way.
Rain
Particularly at the start of the rain, the precipitation can make the roads very slick. Careful attention should also be given to intersections. Oil and exhaust residue from idling automobiles can become a longer-lasting hazard, and the longer an area has gone without rain, the slicker it gets.
Construction Zones
Road construction is at a fervor in the summer months. This brings an array of hazards of which to be aware. Just like on the open road, you need to watch for large construction equipment driven by those not necessarily aware of you. Drivers will often race for position when they see that traffic will be reduced to one lane ahead. Repaving can create lips and uneven surfaces. Inattentive drivers can knock road cones in your path. With stop-and-go traffic, those in cars may be paying more attention to their phones than to you. It is imperative that you remain road aware during these stretches.
What can be a hidden danger are grooves cut into roads to help displace water from rainfall. These are meant to be a safety measure but can throw your bike if not cautious. As these are becoming more prevalent, it is good to stay aware that your familiar route may have had these added since your last visit.
Gravel
Whether it is part of the road construction process or remnants left from cars entering the highway from rural roads, gravel can create a hazardous surface. With enough of it, tires will ride on top of the gravel and will create an effect that feels like you are almost coming to a stop. This often catches riders off guard and causes falls.
Mowing
Homeowners are now regularly mowing their lawns and will often allow grass clippings to be expelled into the road, which can create a slick hazard. This is also the time when the roadside of highways are also being mowed. There are times when the denser level of grass cuttings can find its way into the road, creating a sudden dangerous situation for motorcyclists.
Overheating
Just like many other outdoor activities, you need to keep aware of the potential of overheating on your bike. If you are prone to issues in higher temperatures, consider riding in the morning, taking time in the peak of the day for other activities, and finishing later in the afternoon.
As tempting as it might be, you should consider not removing your helmet. There are options for helmets to be used in the summer, complete with ventilation to help keep your head cooler on rides.
Added Traffic
With warmer weather and kids on break, Minnesotans are spending more time on the roads. It can be seen every Friday afternoon in the summer months, as people leave the cities to drive north to spend a weekend at the cabin. This added traffic has many looking to make time and jockey for position in traffic and not necessarily on you.
This time of year also means teenage drivers are loading their cars with friends and hitting the roads more. Their inexperience leads them to misjudge potentially dangerous situations. It was found that 39% of high schoolers text and email while driving. According to the CDC, teens aged 16-19 are nearly three times as likely to get in a fatal car accident. With added reckless behavior comes added danger for riders.
Summer is a great time to be on a motorcycle. With a little care, it can be a safe time too. As always, keep road aware and keep these summer dangers in mind. If, along the way, you do find yourself injured due to someone’s negligence call us at If you do find yourself injured due to the negligence of others, call or text us at (612) 465-8733.
