Most dangerous time of day to ride?

[jrns_imp]

In rural Nova Scotia ..animals pose a greater threat than cars - in particular deer. Which makes dawn and dusk very dangerous. We have no rush hours, or things like lane splitting. we barely have traffic- but we do have many distracted drivers. they are everywhere and pose as much hazard as deer and therefore the danger exists whatever time of day you ride.
As a new rider I'm as vigilant and defensive as can be- and last season I had 3 very close calls from distracted drivers who didn't see me -but I saw them (fortunately).

[capttwb136_imp]

We have a huge deer population where we live. Dusk and dawn are dangerous times to ride. Deer are extremely unpredictable, if you see one near the road you better slow way down and use extreme caution because there are usually more.

[redbirds_imp]

Dawn and dusk are most hazardous where I live for the same reasons previously mentioned. Deer, raccoons, 'possums are out in greater numbers and they are much harder to see in twilight than later in total dark when the headlight is more effective.

[holy666diver_imp]

I avoid the freeway in the morning. I hear too much of rider fatalities in my town from hours of 5am-7am. Mostly involving bikes being hit by semi trucks. Surface street accidents don't seem to have as many fatalities although they happen more frequently at intersections. I also try to avoid riding at night if I can.

[Guth_imp]

So rush hour during the months when it overlaps with dawn and/or dusk then?

I could have been one of those fatalities just yesterday as sadly there seems to be no shortage of hair-raising moments when commuting via motorcycle. I have the option of using the freeways or surface streets to get to my workplace which is located in an industrial part of the city. Yesterday I chose to travel via the surface streets. One of the downsides of this route is the possibility of getting stuck at a train crossing. As I was headed for the tracks, the lights began to flash and the guards were just starting to lower. In addition, I knew that there was a minivan in the lane to my right that was traveling along at a pretty good clip and based on the view in my mirror was gaining speed. I had a feeling that the driver was going for it. Sure enough, that was the case. I started to slow just in time. The minivan ended up coming uncomfortably close to me as it cut over into my lane in an attempt to avoid the guard (of the hinged design) which it barely cleared (I'm talking just a few inches). It took the kind of sharp weave that caused the vehicle to lean pretty good as the driver corrected its path.

Almost hit by a minivan and stuck waiting for the train to boot — it was not a good commute. With the exception that I'm here to describe it as opposed to being stuck in the hospital or worse. After all is said and done, even when dealing with encounters such as this, I still tend to arrive at work in a better mood when I've ridden my bike than I do when I driven my truck.

[Jeff the CB CBX guy_imp]

LA is the worst for bike crashes during 6-8 am. Too many relatively inexperienced riders splitting lanes, and the biggest issue is FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE! I've seen too many riders go down by 1. Flying debris from rear tires i.e. Tire tread, or rocks etc. then I've had to dodge the odd ladder that the car in front of me DID NOT see.

[the Ferret]

Wow Guth, that could have been bad! Glad it turned out ok.

[Retsel_imp]

I always watch the front tire of every car I pass. If they do not point my way they can't get me. But a ladder is a different story. Glad you missed that one!

[glenridgerich_imp]

Weekday AM rush hour...Beware! I find Sundays to be safest day by far.

[cessnet_imp]

I concur, PHX is horrible early mornings unless sat or Sunday!!!!
Do you still ride your big red? I’ve been hanging behind some Ducati bikes lately.... would consider a Mtn ride if you are on west side!!!! I saw another one here in litchfield this summer....

Mike

Goodyear

I've noticed here in Phoenix that motorcycle crashes tend to occur early, just as the morning rush is starting. That's a time when speeds are still high enough to do serious damage, coupled with a lot of traffic joining the flow. Not to mention generally groggy, distracted drivers.

My work buddy tasted pavement twice in a year's time (before deciding to turn in his helmet). Both times it was on the way into work at around 6:30 AM. Also, both times he was in the HOV lane moving considerably faster than adjoining traffic when a car suddenly shot left into his lane.