Night Safety Tips For Motorcycle Rides

Your motorcycle is a symbol of personal freedom, and that doesn’t change just because the sun sets. But night riding does provide some unique challenges, so whether you’re just exploring, need to get somewhere fast, or generally commuting in the dark, it pays to be cautious. We are committed to your safety, so we’ve provided a few basic safety tips for nighttime motorcycle rides.

Nighttime Hazards

There are a number of safety hazards that night provides which you may not have to deal with in daylight hours. One of the worst dangers of nighttime rides is an increased potential to run into drunk drivers—figuratively or literally! This is especially dangerous on weekends and holidays, so keep your distance from any erratic drivers.

Nocturnal animals are also bad at keeping to the rules of the road, so keep an eye out for prey animals like deer. Roaming at night can protect them from predators, but your high-speed, quarter-ton metal machine powered by explosions is more than a match for them.

And naturally, you’ll have a harder time seeing at night in general. Drive cautiously and defensively to avoid unseen dangers like potholes or loose gravel. Debris and other obstacles don’t have regular working hours, after all.

Upgrade Your Lights

Many bikes still rely on standard halogen lights, since they’re cheaper for manufacturers to build with, but LEDs are more powerful and will help you see further in dark conditions. They’re also more power-efficient, so you’ll get a bonus boost to fuel economy.

Be More Visible

Your sight isn’t the only factor here—other people need to see you, as well. Brake light flashers can help drivers behind you to know you’re there, but high-visibility clothing is invaluable. Your cool black leather riding outfit is great, but it can’t protect you from folks who can’t see you. Adding some brightly-colored or reflective clothing might clash with your style, but it will keep you safe. At minimum, add a few reflective strips to your jacket or throw a construction-style safety vest over it at night.

If you’re planning on riding your motorcycle at night, be prepared for some unique challenges. From drunk drivers to nocturnal animals, there are a variety of hazards you may not have to deal with during the day. To stay safe, be sure to upgrade your lights to LEDs, and wear high-visibility clothing to make sure other drivers can see you. Remember, your motorcycle is a symbol of personal freedom, but it’s important to ride with caution to ensure you get home safely.