Many motorcycle accidents in Arizona happen because of negligent motorists or motorcycle operators. However, the weather can also have a major impact on motorcycle collisions. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you need to understand how weather can affect motorcycle safety and impact liability in motorcycle accidents. You can contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Arizona if you have further questions about motorcycle safety and accident liability.
The Weather’s Impact on Motorcycle Safety
Weather conditions have a noticeable impact on motorcycle safety for three primary reasons: visibility, bike handling, and fatigue.
First, inclement weather can cause reductions in visibility on the road. For instance, heavy rain and dust can reduce motorists’ field of vision and make it harder for them to notice other drivers. This effect can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists who are already small and difficult for motorists to see. Reducing visibility also makes it harder for motorists to avoid accidents. Reducing one’s field of vision effectively reduces reaction times, so motorists have less time to notice and move out of the way of hazards.
Weather can also significantly impact bike handling. Motorcycle tires are smaller than car tires, meaning they have a smaller area of contact with the road. In bad weather conditions, the smaller contact can mean less traction. For instance, slick roads make it harder for motorcyclists to lean into turns without the tires slipping out from under them. Additionally, motorcycles usually have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, so there is a higher chance of overturn accidents if the tires lose traction.
Lastly, motorcycle riders are more at risk of dangers from exposure, such as heat stroke or fatigue. Riders are exposed to the elements and don’t have climate-controlled enclosed cabins like cars. Arizona gets extremely hot during peak riding months, and the searing weather can quickly cause fatigue and lapses in judgment. Some studies show that motorcycle riders are uniquely at risk of heat-induced road crashes compared to car drivers, especially older motorcycle riders.
How Do Weather Conditions Affect Motorcycle Accident Liability in Arizona?
Bad weather can have a major impact on motorcycle handling and driver behavior, and can contribute to accidents. However, bad weather alone does not necessarily absolve parties of negligent actions. Motorists are expected to adjust their driving behavior according to the weather, and failing to properly modify their behavior based on the weather could count as negligence.
For instance, say the roads are wet and slick from a recent rainstorm. A driver is going the normal speed limit and hydroplanes when they hit a puddle, crashing into a nearby motorcycle. Even though the motorist was going the speed limit, they may still be negligent because they did not modify their driving behavior to fit the weather conditions. Motorists need to slow down and exercise extra caution during bad weather, which may require going under the posted speed limit in some cases.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Arizona
If you have injuries from a motorcycle accident, it’s important to act quickly to preserve your ability to make a claim. The attorneys from Valley Injury Team are here to provide skilled representation for motorcycle injury claims. We dedicate ourselves to helping injury victims recover the money they need to recover and rebuild, and we want to help you next. We will spare no effort or resources to secure victory on your behalf.
Contact our offices online or call today for a case consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Arizona. Consultations are free, so there is no risk to getting in touch.
