It’s no secret that traffic greatly increases during the summer. While school buses are off the road, many other motorists are on the back roads and highways for vacations and day trips. Summer is also a time of holidays, outdoor concerts and other events that will add to the number of vehicles on the roads. If you want to avoid the headaches and frustration traffic causes, try following these simple tips.
The first tip is to know what you are getting yourself into. There are plenty of apps on your phone that can inform you of traffic conditions on just about every road. So, if you are planning a ride or long trip, we strongly suggest checking the traffic conditions first. Alerts about accidents, construction work and jams allow you the chance to find alternate routes that will bypass the parking lot forming on the highway.
You will also want to check the weather forecast for the areas you plan on riding through. Summer can stir up sudden storms of heavy rain, lightning and strong wind gusts. This is dangerous enough for cars and trucks, so imagine how you will feel if caught in a what people in Oklahoma call a “sooner” while on your bike! It’s hard to trust meteorologists, but if the sky looks threatening, consider postponing your ride for another time.
Another way to deal with summer traffic is patience. Even with advanced planning, there is always a chance an accident can occur and obstruct a roadway. Take a deep breath and relax. What you don’t want to do is lane-splitting, the act of weaving in between other vehicles in an attempt to bypass the traffic. In Connecticut, lane splitting is illegal.
Section 14-289b under the Operation of Motorcycles states that, “the operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass, in the same single traffic lane occupied by such motorcycle, any motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, or operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic.” In addition to being illegal, this act also creates animosity towards the motorcycle community. No one likes someone who cuts the line of traffic, so don’t be that person.
Summer is hot and the heat from your bike will make you even hotter. We recommend bringing along cold water on any trip. Whether you are stuck in traffic or just need to pull over on a deserted back road, being able to stay hydrated during hot and humid days will help keep you awake and alert.
To avoid frustration during the summer riding season, plan ahead and stay safe!