With spring training underway for Major League Baseball, warmer weather is just around the corner. For motorcycle riders, that also signals the start of riding season. After months of cold and icy roads, bikers across Illinois are gearing up for another year of open-road adventures.
But before you dust off your bike and hit the streets, it’s important to make sure you’re riding safely. Warmer temperatures bring more motorcycles onto the roads, but they also bring more risks. Preparation can go a long way in preventing motorcycle accidents and ensuring an enjoyable riding season.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before the First Ride
A thorough inspection is essential if your bike has been in storage all winter. Cold temperatures, inactivity, and moisture buildup can cause issues that may not be obvious at first glance. Before your first ride of the season, check:
- Tires and brakes – Look for signs of wear, cracks, or low tread. Proper tire pressure is crucial for safe handling.
- Fluids and battery – Make sure your oil, coolant, and brake fluid are at the proper levels, and test your battery to ensure it holds a charge.
- Lights and signals – Confirm that headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are all functioning correctly.
- Chains, belts, and cables – Ensure they are properly lubricated and show no signs of excessive wear.
Taking the time to inspect your bike can help prevent mechanical failures that could lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Refresh Your Riding Skills
Even the most experienced riders can benefit from a safety refresher at the start of the season. After months off the bike, reaction times may not be as sharp, and muscle memory may take time to return. Consider these steps to get back into riding shape:
- Take a short practice ride – Get reacquainted with your bike in a safe, low-traffic area before venturing onto busy roads.
- Review defensive riding techniques – Always assume other drivers don’t see you and be prepared for sudden stops or lane changes.
- Practice emergency maneuvers – Braking, swerving, and quick turns could be the difference between avoiding an accident and getting hurt.
A motorcycle safety course can be a great way to reinforce good habits and refresh your skills before the season gets into full swing.
Stay Visible and Wear the Right Gear
One of the biggest dangers for motorcyclists in Northbrook is not being seen by other drivers. In the early riding season, motorists may not expect motorcycles on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
To improve your visibility:
- Wear bright or reflective gear to stand out in traffic.
- Keep your headlights on, even during the day.
- Use your turn signals early to give other drivers plenty of notice.
- Position yourself in lanes where you’re most visible to drivers.
Protective gear is also critical in the event of a crash. A DOT-approved helmet, gloves, boots, and a reinforced riding jacket can help prevent serious injuries.
Watch for Road Hazards
Springtime roads can be unpredictable. After a long winter, roads may be littered with potholes, loose gravel, and lingering ice patches that pose serious dangers to riders. Be especially cautious of:
- Potholes and cracks – Winter weather can leave roads in rough shape, and hitting a deep pothole at high speed can cause a crash.
- Gravel and sand – Road salt and debris may still be present in intersections and turns, making traction unpredictable.
- Rain and slick conditions – Spring showers can reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
Checking the forecast and staying alert for road hazards can help reduce the risk of losing control.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
Spring doesn’t just mean more motorcycles on the road—it also means more cars, trucks, and distracted drivers. Many motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers fail to see a rider or misjudge their speed. Common causes of motorcycle crashes include:
- Cars making left turns in front of motorcycles.
- Drivers merging into a rider’s lane without checking blind spots.
- Rear-end collisions caused by following too closely.
Riding defensively reduces your risk and gives you extra space around other vehicles. If you anticipate a driver might not see you, be ready to slow down or change lanes.
Protect Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Northbrook
Stay safe this riding season, and enjoy the road ahead. Remember, even the safest riders can’t always avoid reckless or inattentive drivers. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, Stein & Shulman can help.
