Riding Safely during Rainy Season

In the Philippines, the rainy season has begun. As a result, commuters must navigate additional difficulties on the road in addition to following the laws requiring them to enter and exit the country under quarantine.

In light of the present global health problem, motorcycles are the more advantageous, sensible, trustworthy, and convenient means of transportation. However, as the rainy season approaches, bikers must never take safety for granted.

We provide a few safety precautions that drivers should be aware of when traveling on wet or rainy roads:

Gear Up

It might be quite tempting to forgo essential safety equipment in favor of comfort, especially when it’s raining. It seems more convenient to wear slippers instead of closed shoes and shorts rather than pants to avoid the inconvenience of having to deal with these items being wet. 

However, the likelihood of an accident is much higher in the rain since the road surface offers less traction and the reduced sight makes anticipating hazards more difficult. This means that you are more likely to lose control of your motorcycle, overshoot a turn, crash into another car, or low side a corner. 

Having said that, the stark difference in odds would require you to be better prepared.

Visibility is Essential

You and the other drivers on the road have drastically reduced vision when it rains. It is your duty as a rider to make sure you can see and are seen. Given that the majority of prudent riders would always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, it can be helpful to apply a layer of hydrophobic wax to the face shield or, if one is available, to buy a pin-lock visor for your helmet.

You can keep water droplets from sticking to your visor and obstructing your vision by applying a layer of hydrophobic wax on it. As a result, it keeps your vision clear by allowing these water droplets to effortlessly slip off. A pin-lock visor, on the other hand, creates a tiny air pocket between the warmer interior of the helmet and the cooler exterior to keep your visor from fogging up. Additionally, it’s crucial to remain visible to other drivers. 

Make sure your vest or jacket includes reflective spots or sections, and stay away from dull, matte colors. Also think about adding some auxiliary lighting to your motorcycle.

Reach Rest Areas in Low Visibility

If the rain is pouring down in sheets, pull over in a secure area and stop. Rainy conditions significantly reduce rider vision. Without anti-fog coatings, goggles and face shields will probably fog in all types of rainy weather. 

Additionally, when sheets of rain are falling, it is practically impossible for other drivers to see motorcyclists, or anything else for that matter.

Bike must be in Top Shape

Our primary concern should be to keep your motorcycle rubber side down, especially throughout the wet season. In damp conditions, many mechanical gremlins come to light. Allowing mud and filth to accumulate on your bike and not washing it for days or even weeks out of complacency just makes things worse.

Make sure to keep an eye on the crucial fluids required for your bike to run smoothly. Brake pads, brake fluid, and tire tread should all always be above the recommended levels. Even while it’s awful enough when your bike breaks down in good weather, it’s far worse when it happens during a heavy downpour. 

Of course, it’s a must to make sure your horse is in good condition as well, regardless of the weather.

Waterproof Luggage

The last thing you would want to happen while riding a motorcycle is for rain to harm your wallet or phone. A few different-sized Ziploc bags in your storage space or backpack could be a lifesaver at a moment’s notice. 

Of course, the best course of action would be to spend money on a premium waterproof motorbike backpack. A complete change of clothing should be brought along, especially given that waterproof clothing will make you perspire profusely despite keeping you dry from the rain.

Plan Your Routes

Driving in the rain that turns into a downpour becomes nearly impossible. In this case, seek shelter and wait out the storm before resuming your journey. Mark a few of your preferred eateries, rest places, and backup destinations on your GPS so you can quickly access them when necessary. You’ll be able to avoid regions that frequently flood.

Road Awareness

Once more, plan for longer stopping distances and be focused on the road. Extremely dangerous conditions include paint and uneven pavement. Keep a close eye out for any manhole covers or potholes. In the rain, it’s crucial to start braking well before coming to a halt. Always use brakes slowly and steadily, and do so periodically to make sure they are free of mud or other debris. 

This final piece of advice also lets drivers know where the bike is so they can avoid it.

Slow Driving

Most collisions are caused by the rider going too fast. It is wise for bikers to drive slowly when riding in wet circumstances because it calls for extra vigilance. This enables a quicker response in the event of unexpected stops by other cars.

You may prevent accidents and make it safely to your destination by taking some basic safety procedures.

Anticipation

Preparation is vital, as it is in all weather situations. Experienced riders are able to foresee events exactly seconds before they really occur. In wet weather, having a keen sense of anticipation is essential because the wet road surface slightly reduces our tires’ capacity to turn and stop the bike.

Planning your routes and your day’s supplies in advance is another example of thinking ahead. while you wake up in the morning, it can appear clear and sunny, but while you’re getting ready to go home in the evening, it might start pouring down rain. Before leaving the house, check the weather app on your phone so you can determine whether to bring extra clothing or use your waterproof gear all day. Avoid puddles on the road and routes that are prone to flooding. 

And last, swallow your pride and ride a car to work if the weather is too unpredictable for you to handle or if you believe your skills are not yet at the level needed to successfully commandeer your motorcycle in bad weather.

Please read: AVOID DENGUE FEVER DURING THE RAINY SEASON

Conclusion

Motorcycle riding in the rain doesn’t have to be difficult. The thresholds for everything are much lower when riding in the rain, making it one of the best methods to practice comprehensive motorcycle control. Visibility and heat are also decreased, and grip and braking performance are reduced as well. 

Practice, wise planning, and a strong spirit of adventure are all that is required