Strategies For Riding At Night

Motorcycle Accident statistics are very clear: A disproportionate number of accidents and fatalities happen after the sun goes down compared to the miles ridden with sunlight. When you choose to ride at night, you should also choose effective strategies for minimizing the inherent risks associated with it.

1: Use only clear eye protection (not tinted), and keep it clean and free of scratches.

2: Always allow your eyes to adjust to low light levels after leaving a brightly lit restaurant, parking lot, or gas station.

3: Practice avoiding bright light sources while riding. When approaching oncoming traffic, shift your vision from their headlights to the white line along the edge of your lane.

4: Fatigue is a common problem at night, especially on longer rides. Take frequent rest breaks, including getting off the bike and stretching or walking around for a few minutes.

5: Wild animals are more likely to roam at night, especially in the spring and fall. Animal’s eyes reflect light like glass reflectors, which is a visual cue riders should look for. The correct tactic for avoiding animals is to brake quickly to a slow speed.

6: Be sure your headlight is bright and aimed correctly (factoring your weight on the seat). If you frequently ride at night, consider an accessory light kit.

7: Wearing reflective clothing and additional running lights/reflectors to your motorcycle will allow other drivers to see you more clearly.

8: Maintain more space around you when riding at night in traffic. When approaching a stop signal, always adjust your speed to reduce the time you have to stop at the light. Flash your brake light often when you’re stopped to capture the attention of those approaching from the rear.


Remember ride safe and have fun
Harry Hasher and Mike Kotlarek



Cool Riders

Riding in hot weather presents its own challenges. However, rather than staying home and missing all the fun, with a little planning it is still possible to enjoy your favorite roads. Dressing properly is very important. A T-shirt and shorts are not the answer. Exposed skin is not only dangerous in a crash; it is a major source of dehydration and sunburn. Covering up becomes the clear choice. Although there are some specialized clothes that have UV resistance built in, but they are a bit on the pricey side. A long-sleeve lightweight cotton shirt, cotton jeans, and gloves, are the clothing of choice. Apply plenty of sunscreen to the face and back of the neck, and if gloves are not worn, to the backs of the hands. Use a product that is water-resistant so it won’t run into the eyes from perspiration, it should be at least an SPF of 30, make sure it is fresh since sunscreen loses potency with age. Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout your ride. Start the ride well hydrated, taking in at least a quart of liquid before departure. This will not necessitate extra pit stops, contrary to belief. Take in at least a quart of liquid such as water or sports drinks every hour. If the temperature or heat index is very high, double that intake, since fluid loss can top a gallon an hour. Riders who do not need to make a pit stop every couple of hours are dehydrating and should sharply increase their fluid intake. Break the ride into segments with extended cool-off periods every couple of hours. These can be refreshment stops, points of interest, or just spending 30 or 40 minutes in a cool gas station, sipping a sports drink. Caffeine tends to increase dehydration, as does alcohol. Know the signs of heat exhaustion (profuse sweating, dizziness, flushed face, weakness, muscle cramps) and heat stroke (no sweating, pale face, shallow respiration, collapse). Riders and co-riders should watch for them in themselves and in others. At the first signs, seek a cool place and cool the victim down as quickly as possible. In heat stroke, seek emergency medical help.