When the rain starts to come down. Of course, for the bikers should be more careful on the road. Riding motorcycle in the rain, extra vigilance is needed because of slippery road conditions, puddles, sometimes there are holes which are not visible and very dangerous.
Not only that, the risk of concentration will be disturbed due to the cold will enveloped. As a result, the visibility decreases, and the tire’s grip will be reduced.
Here are 14 tips to know when riding a motorcycle in the rain.
- Make sure the physical is in a good condition
Riding in a state of sickness, fatigue, or after taking medication may interfere the concentration as it will reduce reflexes and decision-making abilities in critical conditions. In the rainy conditions, the body will shiver and cannot ride properly.
- Wear a raincoat
When it rains, bikers need to wear a raincoat, but it is also necessary to ensure that the raincoat is chosen from the right type. The right raincoat is one that does not impede the movement of the hands, feet, head to the whole body when driving.
Preferably, wear a raincoat consisting of a pair of pants and a jacket. It would be better if you could use a raincoat that has an element can glow when exposed to light. This concept is part of the effort increasing visibility by others.
Avoid the use of a poncho type raincoat, as it tends to be unsafe because it is potentially stuck in the wheel or other vehicles. In addition, if the rain accompanied by wind, this type of raincoat does not cover the whole body properly.
- Use boots
Shoes that cover the ankles and made from plastic or rubber material more protect the feet from water immersion and can reduce the effects of cold weather.
- Make sure the tires are in good condition
A good tire will have the better grip on the asphalt. So, a bald tire will be very dangerous because it will very slippery. It should be noted that the tire’s sufficient wind pressure is also essential, neither flat nor too hard.
- Well-Functioning Brakes
Of course, on slippery road conditions require the right level and braking technique so as not to slip easily. Due to the overall condition of the brake function in good condition can reduce the accidents potential due to slip the slippery road.
- The lights are working
Make sure the lights on the motorcycle are still working or in good condition. In rainy conditions, the main headlight helps other road users know your presence.
- Watch out for puddles
Puddles on the streets are hard to guess. As much as possible, avoid suspicious puddles that may contain large holes underneath.
If forced, immediately slow down the speed of the motorcycle. This is to avoid the rider from falling and other more fatal risks.
Do not go through any puddles because we do not know the depth. This may result in the vehicle broken or falling into a hole that may exist in the puddle.
- Avoid the mounds of dirt on the road
The mounds of soil exposed to rainwater can increase the slippery of the asphalt surface. Avoid passing over it, do not go too fast and do not hit the brake in a sudden.
- Find a safe shelter
When heavy rain occurs, if not possible to drive, do not force yourself to drive, immediately take a shelter. However, also choose the right place, not to interfere with other road users.
Do not forget to avoid shelter on the part of the street. Slippery road conditions and limited visibility make something that is on the road not too visible to other road users. It makes people who shelter in the road body has the potential to become victims of accidents.
- Secure the Documents and mobile phones
Wrap driving license, certificate of vehicle number, ATM, credit card and mobile phone with plastic to avoid exposure to rainwater. For the scooter, small motorcycle and automatic motorcycle type. Use trunk storage to store important documents and mobile phones.
- Choose an anti-fog helmet
There are types of helmets that the visor does not cause dew or fog so the visions remain clear. This type of helmet has a special glass that is free from the risk of fog when breathing in the helmet.
- Do not rash
The bikers tend to spur the vehicle faster in facing the rain to seek shelter. This can lead to road traffic accidents due to reduced driver concentration. Just ride smoothly because the road condition is not in the best condition when the rain occurs.
- Brake Slowly
During the rain try to brake slowly, because if you brake in a sudden, most likely your motorcycle will slip and will be very dangerous in certain conditions.
- Do Not Wear Headset While Driving
When the rain occurs, water can enter through the sidelines of the raincoat, if the water is exposed to the headset and into the mobile phone, of course, it can be very dangerous to the safety of the rider.
Hopefully, the information above will be useful and add insight in the automotive world, especially when riding a motorcycle in the rain. Thank you for reading this article.
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