Because of the two-wheeled design and lack of enclosure, motorcycles keep riders vulnerable, which, in turn, makes injuries resulting from slippery roads and uneven pavement significantly worse. As the risks are considerable, riders must be alert and know how to react to the following:
Congested Roads
When more drivers populate the roads, you have to deal with more individuals not expecting to see a biker coming from behind or around a turn. With commercial strips, the hazards increase, as drivers need to turn into traffic. In Connecticut, this scene is particularly apparent in the Bristol stretch of Route 6. The Hartford Courant reported that this strip saw 24 injury accidents over three years.
Rough Pavement
For motorcycle riders, it’s easy to lose control when you’re surprised by a bumpy surface. This could be a result of:
- Poor road maintenance
- Construction
- Resurfacing projects
- Gravel
Uneven Pavement
At points, a road’s surface may intentionally be uneven, which then becomes difficult for a rider to navigate. You could experience:
- Edge breaks, in which lanes are positioned at different heights.
- Expansion joints, which become slick in rainy weather.
- Open bridge joints: While they’re used to hold sections of a bridge together, they become difficult to drive around or over.
Rain and Water
Whether you’re going out on the road after a storm or want to brave it through the rain, both conditions create wet, slick roads. These are far more dangerous for bikes than they are for cars and trucks, and the slippery surface not only increases the chances you’ll hydroplane but further turns ordinary facets of the road into hazards:
- Leaves
- Crosswalk Lines
- Trolley tracks
- Oil
- Dirt
- Mud
- Antifreeze
- Concrete
- Manhole covers
- Potholes
As a basic rule, it’s never a good idea to ride when it’s too cold, after a rainstorm, when visibility is poor, or through ice and snow. Yet, even the most careful drivers may find themselves injured at some point. If you’ve decided to pursue a claim and need legal assistance, turn to Trantolo & Trantolo. Our team not only has experience in motorcycle law, but many members in our Connecticut offices ride, too. For more information, give us a call today.
