Tips for Riding Safely During Thunderstorms

Motorcycle riding during lightning is very risky. Imagine you've gone out for a bike ride, suddenly there's heavy rain, and immediately you hear loud thunder. You'd be very tense, right? Don't panic. Learn some tips for safe motorcycle riding during lightning, which I hope will help you easily understand what steps are right for you.

Stormy and rainy days are approaching. Along with them comes the terror of immense power - lightning. The number of deaths due to lightning strikes in Bangladesh is increasing at an alarming rate. According to a statistic, since 2011, the death toll has exceeded 1263. A survey by the Bangladesh Road Safety Foundation shows that during the Eid-ul-Fitr period from April 25 to May 8, 2022, 376 people lost their lives in 283 road accidents in the country in 14 days, before and after the Eid journey. At least one and a half thousand people were injured. Among these, 156 deaths occurred in 128 motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles accounted for 45.22% of total accidents, and 41.48% of total deaths occurred in accidents involving these two-wheeled vehicles. To ensure bike safety, be cautious about riding a motorcycle during lightning. By knowing some tips for safe motorcycle riding during lightning, you will be able to keep yourself and your bike safe from harm, Insha'Allah.

Some Tips for Safe Motorcycle Riding During Lightning

1. Know the Weather Information Before Starting Your Ride

Many of us make the mistake of heading out for a ride without knowing about seasonal updates, road conditions, etc., when leaving home. This is not advisable. You should check weather updates so that you can prepare in advance and carry necessary items. In this regard, you can download an app on your mobile, and in the middle of your journey, you can check the weather and be aware if there's a possibility of a storm. This will ensure both bike safety and rider safety. If you get caught in the rain, you can read this Advice Blog from BikesGuide to learn how to keep yourself safe.

2. Find a Safe Parking Spot

Lightning has started, and you might not have reached your destination yet. When riding a motorcycle during lightning and in rain, your first task will be to try and find a safe place where you can park your bike. It would be excellent if you find a covered or sheltered spot. This way, you and your bike can be kept safe from harm.

3. Avoid Being in Open Areas

Another precaution for motorcycle riding during lightning is to avoid being in open areas. If you are riding a bike through the city during lightning, it's naturally observed that tall buildings and points are at a greater height than you, so lightning is more likely to strike tall buildings. However, on the other hand, if you are on a hill, you are in contact with the sky, being the tallest object around, which is very risky. In this situation, the safest option would be to get off your bike, find a potentially lower area, and take shelter there.

4. Keep Hazard Lights/Emergency Lights On

Visibility decreases during a thunderstorm due to high levels of dust blowing in the air. We also cannot see clearly during heavy rain. According to the rules of riding a motorcycle in the rain, if you park your bike anywhere by the roadside, park it with the hazard lights on. This will help other drivers see your bike's location and avoid accidents. You can also use these lights to call for help.

5. Turn Off the Engine

You don't know how long the lightning will continue. So, there's no point in keeping the engine running and burning fuel. In addition to refraining from riding a motorcycle during lightning, park your bike by the roadside and turn off the engine.

6. Avoid Parking Next to Trees

Considering rider safety and bike safety, an important tip for safe motorcycle riding during lightning is to avoid parking next to trees, utility towers, or objects with electrical connections, as these places attract lightning, and if lightning strikes, it can also fall on the bike. During thunderstorms with strong winds, many trees or utility poles fall. Vehicles are often damaged in such incidents. To avoid such situations, try to park your bike away from trees or utility poles.

7. Avoid Low-Lying Areas

During lightning, in the event of heavy rainfall, low-lying areas can become flooded. Based on the rules of motorcycle riding in the rain, it is best to refrain from parking in such a flooded area. Always try to avoid these flood-prone low-lying areas. Also, do not park your bike at the base of steep slopes.

8. Exercise Caution When Using Brakes

Even if you are sufficiently cautious when riding a motorcycle during lightning, you might occasionally find that the system isn't working correctly. Additionally, since the road will be slippery, be careful when applying the brakes. One of the rules for riding a motorcycle in the rain is to use average braking.

9. Focus on the Road

It is very important to pay attention to the road during heavy rain or lightning. The road might be slippery, wind could directly hit your face, and you will get completely wet; seeing the road might be difficult due to the lightning flashes. In this case, ensure your bike's brakes are working and, if the road is not wet, brake a little earlier than usual. Ride slowly and be aware of everything around you.

10. Stay Away from Ponds and Rivers

Always maintain a safe distance from ponds or water bodies during lightning. It is believed that lightning strikes more often in open areas, especially ponds and rivers.

Conclusion

If you are riding a bike with someone or on a group ride and anticipate lightning, ensure that you are sitting separately or maintaining a specific distance from each other. This is because if lightning strikes, others can help the affected person. Finally, before riding a motorcycle during lightning, it is important to stay updated and take appropriate precautions for safe riding. Ensure your own safety as a rider, as well as the bike's safety, and enjoy a pleasant ride.