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.