Understanding Wet Weather Risks for Wisconsin Motorcycle Riders
Wet weather creates significant challenges for motorcycle riders in Wisconsin. Rain and sleet reduce visibility, decrease traction, and make road surfaces more dangerous. At Hupy and Abraham, S.C., we know firsthand how dangerous these conditions can be: not only do we fight for motorcycle accident victims, but our attorneys are riders themselves.
Whether you’re commuting in Milwaukee, touring the Driftless Area, or traveling around the country, safety comes first. Understanding how to handle these conditions is essential for every Wisconsin motorcycle operator and passenger.
Safety Tips for Motorcycle Operators in Wisconsin
If you can avoid traveling in sleet, rain, or other wet conditions, you should. If you must travel, here are a few tips to help reduce your risk of injury.
Wear the Correct Gear
Your gear is your first line of defense against wet weather hazards. Wear waterproof boots with non-slip soles, rain-resistant gloves with good grip, and a DOT-approved helmet with an anti-fog visor. High-visibility clothing helps other drivers see you through the rain and mist.
Maintain Your Tires
Check your tire pressure before every ride, especially in wet conditions. Properly inflated tires with good tread depth help prevent hydroplaning. Replace tires when the tread depth reaches 1/16 inch or shows signs of wear.
Change Your Riding Technique
If you must ride in the rain, slow down and avoid sudden movements, harsh braking, or quick acceleration. Be especially careful at intersections, as other drivers or riders may not adjust their techniques for the weather. Increase your following distance to at least 4 seconds behind other vehicles. Stay in the tire tracks of the car in front of you if you can.
Be Alert
While one should always focus on the road, motorcycle operators may face unexpected risks in wet weather. Oil and grease can make a road slippery, and wet leaves can cause you to lose traction. Other surfaces which can become more dangerous in the rain include:
- Utility hole covers
- Bridge gratings
- Railroad tracks
- Crosswalk lines
- Sand, gravel, and mud
- Construction plates in the road
How to Be a Good Motorcycle Passenger in Wet Weather
Passengers can do their part, too, to help reduce the risk of a crash in wet weather. If you’re riding on the back of someone’s bike, here are some tips for you:
- Learn to move with the bike rather than against it.
- Hold the passenger handholds or wrap your arms around the rider's waist.
- Keep your feet on the footpegs at all times, even when stopping.
- Communicate any concerns about weather conditions through predetermined hand signals or your helmet communication system.
- Wear reflective or high-vis clothing to help make yourself more noticeable to other vehicles and riders.
Five Reasons Wet Weather Is Dangerous to Wisconsin Motorcycle Riders
It’s essential to take the safety measures described above because:
- Wet roads reduce tire traction. Road surfaces become particularly hazardous during the first 10 of rainfall when water mixes with oil residue on the pavement.
- Standing water increases the risk of hydroplaning. Just two inches of water can cause a motorcycle to hydroplane.
- Rain reduces visibility. Water droplets and spray from other vehicles reduce sight lines. Fog and mist often accompany rainfall, further limiting riders' ability to see far ahead.
- Wind affects stability. Gusts can push motorcycles into other lanes or make it difficult to maintain steady control. Wet leaves and debris blown onto roadways present unexpected obstacles.
- You can’t control other drivers. Our team has helped countless victims of inattentive and negligent drivers. We secured $1.5 million for a couple hit by such a driver.
What to Do if You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in Wisconsin
If you get into an accident in the rain in Wisconsin, move to a safe location if you can, and then call 911. Motorcycle riders have few physical protections, and your injuries may prove severe. Even if you do not “feel” injured, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, may not present with symptoms immediately.
In the days and weeks following a motorcycle crash:
- Document the progression of your injuries. Take photos of visible injuries and keep a daily log of your symptoms. Record how your injuries affect your daily activities and work capabilities.
- Save your receipts and records. Save discharge papers, prescriptions, treatment plans, and receipts for medical equipment. Track mileage for medical appointments and document any time taken off work.
- Store your damaged riding gear and helmet. Take photos of your motorcycle before repairs. Request copies of the police report and any traffic camera footage.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Attend all follow-up appointments. Follow your doctor's treatment plan carefully. Watch for delayed symptoms, especially signs of head injury or internal trauma.
- Talk to our Wisconsin motorcycle injury attorneys. Don't sign any settlement offers or waivers from insurance companies. Don't discuss fault or make statements about the accident to anyone except law enforcement. Contact your insurance company to report the crash, but only give recorded statements with legal guidance. Let Hupy and Abraham protect your rights.
The Milwaukee injury lawyers at Hupy and Abraham understand motorcycle accidents from legal and practical perspectives. Many of us are riders ourselves. We know how weather conditions affect motorcycle handling and visibility. This firsthand knowledge helps us build more robust cases for injured riders throughout Wisconsin.
Our firm offers free motorcycle accident guides that explain your rights after a crash. We can help you understand insurance coverage, negotiate with adjusters, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs.
