Countless Arizonans enjoy hitting the open road by climbing on their motorcycles and going for rides across scenic and exciting landscapes. Although riding a motorcycle is undoubtedly an invigorating experience, it is imperative that safety concerns always be at the forefront of the rider’s mind. One of the constant threats to motorcycle safety comes from Arizona’s unpredictable and often extreme weather.
Our goal at the Gill Law Firm is to help riders safely enjoy every aspect of their trips. However, when someone gets hurt during their motorcycle ride, our firm is here to help the injured rider seek the compensation they need to recover. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Flagstaff, West Valley, or Buckeye, AZ, we’re ready to assist you.
Cold Temperatures and Your Bike
Although Arizona is often thought of as a hot southwestern state, winter temperatures can drop to the low thirties. Such a drastic plunge in temperature can cause a number of problems for the motorcyclist and the rider:
- Tire air pressure decrease: Winter can cause air temperatures to drop up to 60 degrees in a 24-hour period. Such a drastic change can affect the tire’s air pressure and make an accident more likely.
- Less safe road surface: Most roads in Arizona are paved with asphalt, which can contract during cold temperatures. This reduces the surface area available for tires to grip onto while riding, which can impact traction.
- Hazard for the driver: Being hit with cold weather at high speeds, even while wearing protective layers of clothing, can cause a rider to experience rapid heat loss and even disorientation. The rider’s control of their hands and feet, crucial for safe maneuvering of the bike, is then at risk.
How Heat Can Affect Your Ride
Summer temperatures can easily climb above 100 degrees, and this too poses risks for motorcyclists. Most experts recommend that riders avoid traveling on their motorcycles during the hottest parts of the day. Here are a few reasons why:
- Heat stroke and sunburn: Too much sun exposure can result in heat stroke and sunburn, which are never good conditions to have while riding. You may become disoriented and unable to safely maneuver your motorcycle.
- Lack of hydration: Motorcyclists should stay constantly hydrated to avoid becoming confused and unable to operate their bikes safely. Even if you do not feel thirsty, frequent hydration is a must for riding in Flagstaff, West Valley, or Buckeye, AZ.
- Excessively hot motorcycle: Your motorcycle could become physically hot to the touch and cause burns to your skin. In a worst case scenario, the excessive heat may cause the engine or other critical components to fail and thereby trigger an accident.
Other Dangerous Weather Conditions
Hot and cold stand out as the primary weather risks to Arizona motorcyclists, but they are by no means the only ones. Other examples include:
- Wind: High desert winds on open highways can make it difficult to balance the motorcycle.
- Rain and snow: Rain and snow cause slick road surfaces, which are never safe for riders.
- Fog and poor visibility: Fog, plus anything that decreases visibility (e.g. heavy rains), can make it hard for the rider to see and for other motorists to spot the motorcycle.
Legal Advocacy for Motorcycle Accident Victims
While many motorcycle accidents involve drivers in passenger vehicles, others – such as those resulting from bad weather – are considered single bike crashes. You will then need to pursue compensation through your insurance coverage, which could be a challenge since many insurers deny and underpay valid claims. However, it may also be possible that third party entities, like the manufacturer of the motorcycle or its parts, could share liability for your injuries.
Turn to the Gill Law Firm. We can review the circumstances surrounding your accident, help determine an appropriate amount of compensation, and then get to work advocating for you. Contact us today to get started.