In the Dark
The days are getting shorter. Here are some tips for riding in the dark.
Your ability to see at night deteriorates with age. A disproportionate high number of wrecks occur between dusk and dawn.
The National Safety Council (NSC) confirms 90% of a rider's reaction depends on vision.
Before you ride
Clean your headlights, taillights, signal lights, windshields and helmet visors before every ride. Also check to make sure the bulbs are working.
Keep your face shield scratch- and fog-free.
Wear bright clothing and reflective material so you stand out at night. Make sure your back has some reflective material on it so drivers behind you can see you.
Be courteous
If you're running high-output auxiliary lights, give the other guy a break. The brighter beams can cause glare that blinds the very people you're trying to get to notice you.
Keep your lights on low when you're behind traffic.
Slow down
Riding at night reduces both the distance and quality of what you see. It’s also tougher to determine road conditions. When in doubt, safely pull off the road and stop.
When making a turn, make sure you have plenty of lean angle in reserve. If the turn tightens or the pavement changes, you may need the extra runoff.
Watch for wildlife
Montana is home to a lot of critters. When you see a road sign warning of animals crossings, pay attention and slow down. Animals are most active on roadways at dawn and dusk.
Don’t ride impaired
Don’t ride when you're tired or have been drinking. Ask your doctor how prescription drugs may affect your ability safely ride your motorcycle.
Stop frequently for stretching and food breaks along the way. If you’re tired, stop and rest.
** Reader Comments **
One wildlife hazard I've never seen mentioned is a carcass on the road. Twice in my life, once in a car and once
(just last week) on a motorcycle, I have come upon a deer carcass in the road at the same time that cars were approaching.
The oncoming headlights make it virtually impossible to see something like a carcass on the road.
In my first encounter, I bounced over the carcass in a Mustang; in the second encounter, I rode right along side (within two feet)
of a carcass lying just on my side of the center line. I don't know how you ride defensively against that because you don't even
get to see the glow of an eyeball, but it is a real hazard that should be included in any mention of wildlife on the road.
I shudder to think what would have happened if I had run right into that deer carcass. And my wife was on the seat behind me. -Alan 9/29/09
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