Road conditions play a major role in motorcycle safety, and hazards on the road can easily lead to motorcycle crashes resulting in serious or fatal injuries. As motorcycle injury attorneys, we see the damage that poor road conditions can cause. This article will examine how the state of roads impact the safety of motorcyclists.
Potholes
Potholes are one of the most dangerous road hazards to motorcyclists. These bowl-shaped holes in the asphalt can cause loss of control when a motorcycle hits them, especially if taken by surprise at high speeds. Potholes often form after water seeps underneath the road surface, deteriorates the underlying pavement, and causes it to collapse. The damage leaves large gaps that can be from a few inches to over a foot deep.
In Hawaii, potholes frequently form during the rainy winter months. They can be difficult to spot until a rider is right upon them. Hitting a pothole can damage the motorcycle’s tires, wheels, and suspension and cause the rider to lose control and crash. Severe potholes have even been known to eject riders from their motorcycles.
Cracks and Deteriorating Pavement
Like potholes, cracks and crumbling road surfaces are common on Hawaii’s roads, especially secondary routes and rural areas. The tropical climate takes a major toll on asphalt. Frequent heavy rains, salt air exposure, and intense sun deteriorate pavement. As cracks widen and surfaces start to crumble, they become major hazards for motorcycles.
Narrow motorcycle tires can get caught in cracks, causing loss of stability. Loose gravel, broken pavement, and uneven surfaces can all reduce traction and make motorcycles wobble out of control. Riding over deteriorating asphalt also impacts handling as tires try to regain stability. Motorcyclists need to keep their eyes peeled for pavement damage and reduce speeds considerably when riding over compromised surfaces.
Uneven or Soft Road Shoulders
Well-paved road shoulders are important for motorcycle safety. If a rider needs to pull over or steer out of traffic, soft or uneven shoulders can cause crashes. Unfortunately, many Hawaii roads have inadequate shoulders full of hazards. Erosion, vegetation overgrowth, and lack of maintenance leave roadsides with loose gravel, abrupt drop-offs, and depressions.
Hitting an uneven shoulder can throw riders off balance and make the motorcycle difficult to control. The change in traction between the road and shoulder is also dangerous. If a rider needs to quickly swerve onto the shoulder, soft sand or gravel provides much less grip. Abrupt drop-offs likewise make it hard to get back onto the road safely. Poor road shoulders essentially eliminate a rider’s margin for error.
Debris on the Road
Debris on roadways poses a major motorcycle hazard. Sand, gravel, fallen tree branches, litter, and roadkill are common debris found on Hawaiian roads. Loose debris reduces traction when ridden over, especially around curves. Hitting larger objects like branches can damage motorcycles and cause crashes.
Motorcyclists need to be constantly scanning for debris ahead. However, spotting hazards in time is difficult when riding at speed. Debris also tends to accumulate on roadsides and in corners, making evasive maneuvers more hazardous. Keeping roads clear of dangerous debris should be a top priority for state and county highway departments.
Slippery Surfaces
Road surfaces become extremely treacherous for motorcycles when wet or contaminated. Water, oil, and other fluids reduce available traction. Rain leaves oily tire residue on roads, creating slick spots. Spilled fluids, especially at intersections, are trouble areas. Manhole covers, bridge joints, and road markings with paint are also extra slippery when wet.
In wet conditions, motorcyclists must reduce speed and leave ample braking distance. Curves, turns, and intersections call for utmost caution. Just a small oil patch or wet manhole cover can wipe out a bike. Hawaii’s frequent torrential downpours make slippery surfaces a common occurrence that requires heightened focus and defensive riding skills.
Poorly Maintained Roads
Overall road maintenance issues affect motorcycle safety. Poorly maintained roads develop more hazards like potholes, cracking, debris accumulation, drainage issues, and shoulder erosion. Roads in disrepair give riders far less margin for error. Yet Hawaii faces a massive backlog of road maintenance needs exceeding $800 million.
Rural roads and secondary highways often get neglected and end up in very poor condition. These routes frequently lack adequate shoulders as well, further increasing risks. Motorcyclists face difficulty avoiding road hazards when surfaces are compromised across the whole width of the road. Pressure needs to be put on state and county transportation departments to prioritize motorcycle safety through improved road maintenance.
Protect Your Rights After a Crash
Hazardous road conditions contribute to many preventable motorcycle collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident due to poor road maintenance, debris, or other hazards, you have legal rights. Our motorcycle injury lawyers offer free consultations to review the circumstances of your crash and determine if the government entity responsible for road conditions showed negligence. We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis, so legal fees only apply if we obtain compensation for you.
Visit our office at 700 Bishop St, Ste 2100, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
Or call us today for a free consultation on (808) 745-1592.