The only thing more beautiful than riding a motorcycle in New Mexico and taking in the scenic mountain views is riding a motorcycle in New Mexico on a starlit night when there is nothing to do except enjoy the cool air and the quiet. At certain times of the year, you would have to be a glutton for punishment to travel in New Mexico in a vehicle that does not have air conditioning, as motorcycles do not. Given that the temperature drops considerably at night, even in the hottest deserts, riding your motorcycle at night is the obvious choice. Of course, New Mexico’s mountainous landscape is difficult to navigate even in broad daylight, let alone in the dark.
Furthermore, most accidents that involve drunk or drugged driving happen at night. These are some ways that you can avoid danger when riding your motorcycle at night in New Mexico. If you have been injured in a nighttime motorcycle accident, contact a Santa Fe motor car accident lawyer.
Use Other Vehicles’ Headlights and Taillights to Help You Navigate
Following other vehicles too closely is a hazard at any time of day or night, but when you are riding your motorcycle on a winding mountain road at night, it helps to stay close enough to other vehicles that you can use their headlights and taillights as a guide. Besides, the other cars’ lights can illuminate small sections of the road.
Don’t Speed, Even When You are the Only One on the Road
Excessive speed increases the risk of collision, as well as the severity of injuries resulting from an accident, and the risk of catastrophic injury is already higher if you are on a motorcycle than in a car. Even when there are no other vehicles within striking distance, drive at a safe speed to avoid single-vehicle collisions.
Make Yourself Visible to Other Drivers
Seeing other vehicles can keep you safe, but it is even more important for other drivers to be able to see you. Use the lights on your motorcycle; even better, also wear a helmet with lights or a jacket with reflectors. New cars have sensors that will alert drivers if they get too close to you, but these cars are not yet ubiquitous, so some drivers must still rely on their eyes to know that you are nearby.
Sleeping Under the Stars is Safer Than Riding a Motorcycle While Drowsy
Driving while drowsy is dangerous regardless of the vehicle and of the lighting conditions. If you are too tired to drive, postpone your desert motorcycle ride until the morning or until tomorrow night. Get off the road and find somewhere to rest. If you are in the middle of nowhere, your chances of getting attacked by desert wildlife if you sleep under the stars are less than your chances of an accident if you try to power through your drowsiness.
Contact Slate Stern About Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits
Slate Stern is a personal injury lawyer who represents plaintiffs injured in motor vehicle accidents. Contact Slate Stern in Santa Fe, New Mexico, or call (505)814-1517 to discuss your case.
Sources
5 Tips To Keep You Safe When Riding Your Motorcycle At Night (msn.com)
Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash