Call Us 515-280-1207 ☰ ˟
Logo
Call Us Today 515-280-1207
Español
  • Home
  • Coverage
    • Auto
    • SR-22
    • License Reinstatement
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
    • Homeowners
    • Business
    • Trucking
  • Quote
    • Automobile
    • SR-22
    • Motorcycle
    • Renters
    • Homeowners
    • Business
  • Customer Service
  • Payments
  • Resources
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Refer a Friend
    • Important Links
    • Calculators
    • Insurance Glossary
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • About The Insurance Specialists
    • Employee Directory
    • Location Map
    • In Our Community
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
Home > Blog > Get your groove on safely
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2016

Get your groove on safely

Surface hazards are one of the many hazards motorcycle riders learn to be aware of during a motorcycle safety course. Grooved pavement is one of those hazards, but there are actually several types of pavement grooves that riders will encounter. Let’s take a look at the various kinds of grooves, their purpose and some thoughts on dealing with them.

Wet weather traction improvement grooves

This form of pavement groove is installed on road surfaces to help reduce hydroplaning and skidding on wet road surfaces. Often you will encounter these grooved sections on roads that have a history of many wet weather crashes. Although grooved concrete surfaces seem to be more common, this road surface technique also is used on asphalt. Wet weather grooves are applied in two ways: perpendicular to the flow of traffic or parallel. Both function similarly to the rain grooves on your tires ­— they create channels to remove water from the tire/road contact area. The depth of the rain grooves and spacing between grooves are typically uniform.
The effects of perpendicular rain grooves on your motorcycle’s handling are minimal. Think of it being like the rumble strips along the edge of many roads, but smaller. Parallel rain grooves can have a more pronounced effect on handling; it feels like the road surface wants to influence the steering of the motorcycle. “Grooved Pavement” and “slippery when wet” warning signs often precede road sections with parallel grooves. Unfortunately for motorcyclists, parallel rain grooves are less expensive and quicker to install on new road surfaces, which makes them a more widely used option.

Road construction grooves

Highway resurfacing projects create a different type of groove when the old road surface is milled away in preparation for new paving. Road surface milling is almost always done in the direction of travel. Unlike rain grooves, surface milling creates grooves that vary in depth and spacing, often wandering around in the lane. This type of grooved pavement has the most profound impact on motorcycle handling. Worthy of special attention is the frequent presence of particularly deep and wandering grooves in the milled surface.  This type of groove is often accompanied by repaired sections of roadbed that are not grooved. The combined effect of the surface irregularities can feel like the road is wrestling with your motorcycle.

Handling grooves

While grooved pavement feels alarming, especially to new riders, it is manageable. Begin by reducing your speed and remaining calm. Apply a firm grip to the handlebars, but don’t try to wrestle the front tire. Pay ample attention to the surface. Rain grooved pavement can chip and pothole, and construction milling has those deep wandering grooves. Avoid fixating on grooves, however. By being smooth at the controls you can optimize your traction and safely traverse the grooves.

 

Till next time, ride safe!
 
Posted 12:42 PM

Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2016
  • 2013
  • 2012

  • auto insurance(6)
  • car insurance(5)
  • sr-22 insurance(3)
  • sr22 insurance(3)
  • motorcycle safety(2)
  • office hours(1)
  • owi(1)
  • motorcycle insurance(1)
  • holiday hours(1)
  • teen driver(1)

View Mobile Version
Logo

514 E Euclid Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50313
Ph: 515-280-1207
Toll-Free: 800-832-4934
info@insspecinc.com



TrustedChoice Iowa Logo



The Insurance Specialists Inc, Insurance Agency, Des Moines, IA
Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Google Icon LinkedIn Icon
© Copyright 2021. All rights reserved | Powered by Insurance Website Builder