10 Common Motorcycle Road Hazards to Avoid

Riding a motorcycle on an open road is a fun and exhilarating experience. However, motorcycles usually pose many dangers to the rider and the passenger. Unlike cars, a two-wheeler doesn’t provide external protection, meaning small objects and obstacles can quickly become life-threatening dangers. Something as simple as an uneven pathway or wet pavement could lead to a motorcycle accident, resulting in serious injuries or even death.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider, it’s essential to be aware of the potential road dangers that can lead to catastrophic accidents. Here are the ten most common road hazards that cause motorcycle accidents.

Railroad crossings

Railroad crossings are one of the most overlooked road hazards while riding a motorcycle. However, they pose a greater risk for riders as their motorcycle wheels can get stuck in the railway tracks. This can lead to serious injury or even death if the rider is thrown off their motorcycle.

The situation becomes even more dangerous if the crossing has timber or wood between rail lines. When it becomes wetter, the road conditions worsen, making riding on a bike even trickier. Avoid speeding or taking sharp corners while passing over a railway crossing, and approach with caution to ensure you drive away safely.

Expansion and bridge joints

Expansion joints connect two parts of a road, while bridge joints are metal plates or ridges that join two sections of a bridge together to allow asphalt to expand without cracking. These joints are essential for driver and rider safety but can create a huge gap that may grab a motorcycle wheel.

Avoid making any significant change in your speed and direction while riding over an expansion or bridge joint. Travel in a straight line until you have passed the joint. If you aren’t comfortable crossing a railway line, go in the opposite direction or look for an alternative route.

Potholes

Potholes are a significant road hazard for motorists. Common potholes can be particularly dangerous for riders because they can cause you to lose control of your two-wheeler if you hit one too hard. They can also increase the chances of a flat tire or cause severe damage to your motorcycle’s suspension system, leading to a dangerous situation on the road or costly repairs.

When you see a pothole while riding, try your best to maneuver around it if you have the time and road space to do so. If you are riding through a familiar area, you can avoid streets filled with potholes.

Edge breaks

An edge break is where the road has weathered or irregularly worn out. It often occurs on the shoulder of the road where the pavement doesn’t have enough strength. Precipitation or inclement weather conditions like hurricanes, flooding, or tornados can also cause an edge break.

Edge breaks are particularly dangerous on highways and interstates because motorcyclists usually travel at high speeds. They create a rough pathway that may cause a motorcycle to lose traction and control, especially when swerving to avoid another object. If you must pass over them, always be cautious when riding near an edge break and reduce your speed.

Rough roads

Whether from new road work, resurfacing effort, or disrepair, a rough or bumpy road can cause you to wreck your motorcycle. Vibrations from a bumpy road can cause fatigue over time, reducing your reaction time, which is critical when navigating traffic and avoiding obstacles.

Riding on a rough road also accelerates wear on various motorcycle parts. It puts extra strain on components such as shocks and bearings, leading to expensive repairs and premature replacements.

Take greater caution when maneuvering through a rough or bumpy road. Riding at a slow speed can also give you enough time to spot and avoid obstacles. This is especially essential in construction areas where unexpected obstacles are common.

Loose gravel and sand

Loose gravel and sand can be dangerous for motorcyclists, especially when making turns. Typically, you must shift your body weight to navigate the curve successfully. Sand or gravel may cause your motorcycle’s wheels to lose traction, causing it to slide out from underneath you.

Try not to lean and avoid making sudden stops when riding over loose gravel and sand or in areas with heavy dust due to dry conditions. Gradually apply the brakes to come to a safe stop.

Rain, fog, or snow

Poor weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow limit visibility and make the road slick, causing the rider to lose control of their bike. Dirt, dust, and motor oil on the road can mix with rainwater to create a slippery surface.

Riding at high speed in the rain can cause your motorcycle tires to lose contact with the ground, significantly reducing friction. Rain can also make it difficult to see uneven surfaces, potholes, and other hazards on the road.

Take extra precautions when riding in areas with snow or fog. When it starts raining, park your motorcycle and wait for the weather to improve before continuing your journey. If you must travel in the rain, ride at a low speed and be very cautious as you move from one point to another.

Animals

A big animal like a deer or smaller creatures like raccoons or rabbits crossing the road while you are riding a bike can be dangerous. Colliding with them can throw your motorcycle off balance, resulting in a crash. 

Unfortunately, animals may come out of nowhere, giving you no time to react. It’s less likely you will have time to brake to a stop if you are riding at a high speed. Try not to swerve out of your lane if you see an animal on the road while riding your motorcycle. Instead, brake firmly to help you stop in enough time to prevent a collision.

Road debris

Road debris can include fallen tree branches, broken car parts, pieces of blown-out tires, or any other item that fell from cars, such as food remains, tools, or clothing. Riding over these objects can be dangerous to motorcyclists. Hitting or running over them at a high speed can cause you to lose control, increasing your risk of a motorcycle crash. You can also be hit by items from other vehicles, potentially causing serious injuries.

Stay vigilant when riding and maneuver around debris if it’s safe to do so without putting yourself in danger. If you are not able to maneuver around fallen tree branches or blown-out tires, proceed with caution while riding over them. Keep your motorcycle straight and avoid braking or accelerating suddenly.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians can be quite unpredictable, and they might not see you coming. It’s also easy for them to overlook how dangerous a moving vehicle or motorcycle can be. They may even try to cross the street while there is incoming traffic. Be cautious when riding near pedestrians and always yield the right-of-way to them.

Who’s liable for a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard?

Most motorcycle crashes occur due to road hazards like large potholes or debris. Therefore, it’s crucial to know who is at fault when you find yourself in a motorcycle accident caused by road hazards.

If the accident occurred due to poor road conditions and the responsible party was not taking good care of it, then the person or group could be liable. Ensure you have all the evidence recorded after an accident since something like a pothole can be emphasized enough, particularly if you plan to take legal action.

After making sure you are okay, take pictures of what caused the accident, any injury sustained, and any damage to your motorcycle. Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the accident, as their side of the story could help your case. Filing a police report could also be helpful for your personal injury case later on.

However, determining who is liable for a motorcycle crash caused by bad road conditions can complicated and frustrating. Depending on the specifics of the accident, several parties can be held accountable for road hazards.

That’s why it is always advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified motorcycle accident attorney if you or your loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash caused by a road hazard. Working with a lawyer for a motorcycle-related accident can ensure you get compensation for any bodily injury, lost wages, or property damage resulting from your crash.

Conclusion

Safety is a top priority while you are on the road. Therefore, you should be mindful of your safety more than anything else when riding your motorcycle.

That said, ensure you are aware of the common road hazards that many motorcyclists fall victim to. That way, you will have an idea of what you need to avoid and how to avoid it, helping you enjoy your ride while on the open road. And while you can finance a motorcycle purchase without a license, ensure you have a valid two-wheeler license before you get out on the road. Remember, you have a big role in adhering to the laws and maintaining high standards of safety on the road.