there are infinity of variables to control when driving under a downpour, whether on two or four wheels. The main one is the circulatory chaos when the water begins to fall Drivers seem to forget the experience gained and lawlessness makes an appearance. This causes hold-ups and jams both in the city and in the accesses. The average time to complete a journey increases exponentially.
But the really important thing happens in the asphalt. Speed must be moderated and adapted to the state of the road, since the adherence of the tires with the road decreases resoundingly. The asphalt stops draining and is covered with a film of water that, mixed with the dirt prevailing: sand, oil or fuel make the asphalt very slippery. Also, if the precipitations are high, they can cause the dangerous aquaplaning.
Likewise, the visibility is reduced, so the mixture of dangers makes it a very complicated scenario for mobility, increasing the risk of suffering a accident.
Tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain
if the threat of suffering incidents in episodes of precipitation is very high due to the facts previously exposed, when doing it on a vehicle of two wheels the risk grows too much, for that reason it is necessary to extreme the precautions and follow a series of tips to minimize the dangers. The most important are:
reviews
It may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping the motorcycle on point It is essential for its proper functioning in any circumstance. But if the rain variable enters, it is vital that the essential components of the vehicle work according to their optimum performance.
Both the brakes such as suspensions and tires, which are three of the essential elements when driving in the rain, they must be in optimal conditions. The drawing and the correct pressures in the tires, as well as the bite of the brake calipers in conjunction with pills and discs.
Also, the engine and in particular the lighting system, it is essential that it be in good condition to see and be seen.
equipment
When it comes to being seen, it is also essential to use garments that make them stand out from the rest of the traffic and that, in addition, protect to the occupants of the rain. It is necessary to have a suit (full or two pieces) of water that is sufficiently colorful to stand out from the crowd.
While the sky fills with clouds and the rain begins to fall, the day turns into sunset and the illumination disappears, For this reason, water garments with fluorine and reflective colors are essential rather than dark ones.
The same happens with the helmet, Having a protector with bright colors allows you to be seen by the rest of the vehicles. Also, for driving in the rain, waterproof gloves and technical shoes will allow you to arrive at your destination dry enough.
Safety distance
The safety distance It refers to the free space that every driver must leave between his vehicle and the one that precedes him so that he can stop, in the event of sudden braking, without colliding with it. The DGT recommends that this distance be at least three seconds between vehicles, since it is the calculation of the time it takes to perform an emergency braking.
During the rainy episodes it should be increase substantially, because vehicles need more space to stop by existing lesser grip of the tires against the asphalt.
Especially when traveling by motorcycle you have to double the distance, already duplicated by itself, from one car to another. In this way, there will be enough reaction time, in addition to avoiding the spray released by the rest of the vehicles.
defensive driving
Another very important facet is the way of driving underwater. In the case of motorcycles and scooters, you have to do it thinking that they are invisible to other drivers. If on a day with sunny weather these vehicles are very vulnerable, when adding the rain you have to drive with extreme caution.
In this type of driving it is about putting yourself always at worst that that car is not going to signal a manoeuvre, that the one beyond is going to change lanes without looking, or that the bus was going to cross an intersection with the amber light and brakes abruptly at the last moment.
In addition, you have to draw the curves slowly, either at junctions, roundabouts or on other roads and keep the motorcycle straight for as long as possible (inclining only as much as is essential) and the handlebars straight.
progressive braking
Last but not least, is to use the pedal and brake lever softly. It is essential to use the rear brake, rather than the front, when it is raining. By using the front brake, such as on dry days, it is more likely that you can lock the wheel and end up on the ground. The ideal is to act first on the rear to contain and then on the front to stop.
You also have to stop before the curves never inside it. It is better to anticipate the turn and brake progressively with the bike straight. If it is necessary, it is better to act repeatedly and quickly on the brake several times: release, brake, release, brake smoothly without blocking.
In the event that the motorcycle has ABS, this technology makes it possible to stop very effectively without the wheels slipping uncontrollably, since the sensors that are incorporated into the wheels send a automatic signal to the ABS system control unit that reduces the pressure exerted on the brakes. This does not mean that you should neglect prudence: It is a system that helps but does not work miracles.
To finish, you have to avoid braking at all costs on culvert plates, masonry steel sheets of the kind used to hide trenches or on horizontal signaling. The latter, which should always incorporate a non-slip paintbut this is not always the case, so it is necessary to avoid braking on pedestrian crossings, signs prohibiting blocking the crossing and others, if you do not want to end up on the ground.
