Spring and summer are no doubt the best time for riding the bike. You have decided to commute to work on the bike during these months. You prefer to ride as long as the weather allows. Furthermore, you can use the HOV lanes, park closer to the office, and save a lot of fuel. Besides, riding the bike is good therapy for the problems of the day. But this afternoon the weather changed, and now you’re headed home on a dark road in a torrential downpour. Thankfully, traffic is moving along, but you can’t see very well through a rain-splattered face shield, and you know that other drivers can’t see very well, either. Thankfully, your riding suit has reflective stripes as well as waterproofing and armor.

Approaching an underpass, you observe that a puddle of water is collecting in the low spot. The truck ahead pushes through making a small splash. But the splash is enough to dislodge one of the big orange barrels, and it topples over on its side and rolls into the lane.

You push hard on the grips to initiate a swerve, but there just isn’t enough traction. The bike slides out, hits the barrel, and crashes to the pavement. Fortunately, drivers behind you see the accident and are able to stop. Picking up your bike, you’re shocked at how slippery the pavement is. Apparently, mud has washed out of the construction area, coating the road.

Although some riders do commute by bike year-round, most park their bikes during bad weather. The combination of poor visibility, slippery roads, and aggressive traffic dramatically increases your risks of an accident. The increased risks may not be worth the benefits of commuting by motorcycle. If you get caught in bad weather, take the extra time and precautions to ensure a safe ride. Drive slower, wear protective gear with reflective tape, use your triple lights, do not drive through puddles and allow more distance between you and traffic.