Choosing to ride a motorcycle is rather sensible, in some ways, and it invites significant risk in others. The direct economic cost of owning and riding a motorcycle is generally far less than that associated with a passenger car or truck. Moreover, the environmental impact of the typical bike is much smaller than that of another motor vehicle. On the other hand, however, there is a significant safety gap between a well-equipped motorcycle and a well-equipped family car, subjecting a motorcycle rider to the risk of serious injury in the event of an accident. This becomes strikingly clear when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

In Wisconsin, this is an especially important consideration because of the dramatic weather events that occur throughout the year. At different times there are many different weather phenomena that can turn the roadway into a dangerous place for a motorcyclist and his or her passenger in an instant. High winds, heavy rain, snow, ice, lightning, and tornadoes are all reasonably expected across the state and it is absolutely essential that a biker be prepared to respond immediately so that they can protect their safety.

Warning Signs and Safety Tips

Given the exposed nature of a motorcycle rider’s position atop the bike, it is wise to adopt a more proactive set of habits than might be necessary for other motorists. For example, taking the extra time to catch an up to the moment weather forecast for the range in which you will be riding can be of immeasurable value and only requires a minimal investment of time. If you are already out on the bike and observe that the sky has suddenly darkened, you see lightning flashes, or you hear the rumbling sound of thunder, then the set of responses at your disposal must be finely tuned so that you can protect yourself.

Some of the places that have the potential to be the most hazardous are bridges, overpasses, in tunnels, and in wide open roadways. Each of these features is particularly prone to either freezing, creating an increased force of wind, or renders a motorcyclist an attractive target for a lightning strike. Here are several safety tips to keep you well:

• Avoid riding at night when temperatures are at or below freezing, if possible
• When a lightning bolt and thunderclap are separated by less than 30 seconds, get to a covered space and remain there until there has been no such strike for a period of 30 minutes or more
• Lower speed if you absolutely must ride in heavy rains

For Legal Help

If you have been injured due to another motorist’s negligence in bad weather conditions, contact the Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Have you been thinking about buying a motorcycle half helmet for the upcoming riding season, but are not sure exactly which one you should buy, or what is available when it comes to these types of helmets? You’ll be happy to know that there are a number of different of styles available on the market, and chances are there is a style that will fit your personality perfectly, it just takes a little time to find the right one.

If you’re looking for the basics, then there is a type of half helmet that perfectly fits that category which is the basic half helmets category. These types are really the basic model when it comes to this style and you’ll find that they are the most simple with regard to design, graphics, added features, and so on. Basic half helmets are typically made with an inner liner and cushioning, a padded or non padded chin strap, and come in paint finishes such as gloss and flat. You’ll also find that the basic styles are available with different graphics and any type of design that you can imagine.

Another type of half helmet is the vented version, which is basically the same as the standard non-vented version but with the obvious difference of having the vents. The benefit of the vents is that they allow air to flow throughout the helmet when open, which in turn helps to keep the rider cool in warmer riding temperatures. These types of helmets are very popular in areas where warm riding temperatures are typically the norm. One of the most uncomfortable feelings is riding a motorcycle with a hot and sweaty helmet, so this is one great way of eliminating that problem.

Other types of helmets include the polo style, which is a lower profile, sleeker looking helmet that many like because they would rather maintain a lower profile look while on their motorcycle. There is also the German style half helmet which is a replica of the German war helmets. This style has become increasingly popular of the past few years and continues to be a strong contender in the motorcycle helmet market.

Finally, for those that want to have the smallest, lowest profile necessary, there is the novelty style helmet which generally has the same look and feel as other half helmets, but with a much thinner inner liner which allows for the thinly constructed helmet shell. This allows the rider to maintain the sleek look instead of a bulkier look which is created by the other half helmet styles.