The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route for motorcycling, especially during fall, but it has distinctive risks. With winding curves, changing elevations, and shifting weather conditions, the Parkway is a hotspot for accidents. In one recent year alone, nearly 400 vehicle crashes occurred along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including 83 involving motorcycles, according to the National Park Service. For riders, these crashes, some of which are rural fatal motorcycle accidents, signal a need for caution. To stay safe, follow these fall-riding safety tips to help you navigate the Parkway and avoid a motorcycle crash.
Make Seasonal Adjustments to Your Bike
Fall means cooler temperatures and changing road conditions, signaling it’s time for seasonal adjustments. As the temperatures get colder, tires lose grip, and slick roads from rain or frost become a real danger. Always check your tire pressure before a ride, and ensure your tires have enough tread for better traction. Replace your headlight, brake lights, and signals to adjust to the shorter days and reduced visibility.
Ride in the Center of the Lane
To address safety concerns along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the National Park Service initiated the “Rule the Ridge” campaign, which encourages riders to stay in the center of the lane. The center of the lane is the safest path for maneuverability and control, especially across the Parkway’s narrow shoulders and sharp turns. The center position helps avoid sudden hazards like soft road edges or vehicles straying across the center line. Always ride single file and maintain a reasonable distance between fellow riders.
Be Aware of Your Curve Position
One of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most exhilarating yet challenging aspects is its numerous curves. Roads like “The Dragon,” with more than 300 curves in just 11 miles, are challenging for even the most advanced motorcyclists. Sharp and unpredictable curves are hazardous, especially when shared with other riders and vehicles. Reduce your speed before entering curves to prevent a motorcycle crash. Stay focused on your lane position.
Avoid Leaves
While the fall foliage makes the Blue Ridge Parkway a beautiful destination for motorcyclists, fallen leaves pose a serious hazard to riders. Wet or decaying leaves can be as slippery as ice and cause riders to lose control when braking or turning a curve on a motorcycle. Dry leaf piles often mask potholes, rocks, and other debris that can cause tire punctures or accidents. Always ride slowly and cautiously through leaf-covered areas to avoid a motorcycle crash.
Pay Attention
Distracted driving is hazardous on any roadway, but on the Blue Ridge Parkway, it can be deadly. Deer activity increases in the fall, especially at dawn and dusk, making these times of day prime for accidents. Stay alert and continually scan the road and your surroundings. Focusing on the road rather than the scenery can help you react quickly to unexpected obstacles.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys If You Are Hurt in a Wreck
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident on the Blue Ridge Parkway due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Stewart Law Offices can help you seek the compensation you need and deserve. Our attorneys have over 25 years of experience advocating for injured motorcyclists. Call today for a consultation to learn about your rights under the law.
