Summer is here, and that means it’s time to brush up on your motorcycle safety tips. One that you may not keep in mind is the risk of getting hit by lightning. Storms that pass through Kentucky and the Ohio Valley have the potential to have extreme winds and hundreds of lightning strikes.
Each of the strikes hits something, whether it ends in a grassy field or striking a lightning rod. Unfortunately, driving in a storm can result in your being struck. Of course, lightning isn’t the only danger. Conditions including high winds or hail can also result in a serious motor vehicle accident and terrible injuries.
Be safe about lightning
Lightning Safety Week is between June 18 and June 24, 2017. Now is a good time to talk about the hazards lightning poses to your ride. In 2016, there were a total of 38 lightning fatalities across 17 states.
Remember: If you hear thunder, you’re likely within lightning’s range. It’s not safe to be on the roads and exposed to the elements in a lightning storm or thunderstorm. Avoid coming into contact with anything metal. That includes your vehicle.
Hail is a hazard to those exposed
Whether you’re in a car or on a motorcycle, hail can cause an accident. As it falls, it picks up immense speed. Getting pummeled by hail with no car frame to protect you can result in a motorcycle collision and serious injuries.
Hydroplaning becomes a major concern in heavy rain
Hydroplaning can quickly cause your tires to slide, making your motorcycle move out from under you. Poor weather makes it very hard to regain control of your motorcycle, because you have to contend with slick roads, puddles, debris and other road hazards. Motorcycles have less tread on their tires and the tread that is there isn’t as deep. That puts you at risk of sliding off the road or even into another vehicle.
These are a few things to keep in mind if you have to ride in poor weather. It’s a better idea to wait out a storm. If you do ride and someone else hits you, you can file a claim for compensation.