Motorcycle Safety During Reno’s Late-Summer Riding Season

Late summer in Reno is about as good as it gets for anyone on two wheels. Warm afternoons, cool evenings, and those Sierra Nevada views make August and September a dream for motorcycle riding. 

But with more bikes hitting the road, especially with big events like Street Vibrations around the corner, it’s also a time to be extra careful. 

At Bradley Drendel & Jeanney, we’ve seen how quickly a ride can turn dangerous. That’s why we’re sharing a few friendly reminders to help keep you safe this season.

1. Stay Visible at All Times

Those late-summer sunsets may look beautiful, but they can create nasty glare for drivers, making motorcycles harder to see. To avoid this, you can do the following –

• Wear bright or reflective gear so you stand out.
  
• Keep your headlight on, even during the day.
  
• Don’t hang out in blind spots.
  

Local tip: On crowded streets like Virginia Street or McCarran Boulevard, making sure drivers see you can turn a tense ride into a smooth one.

2. Anticipate Event Traffic

August and September bring huge events like Hot August Nights and Street Vibrations. That means heavier traffic, distracted drivers, and lots of out-of-towners who don’t know the roads. So you need to –

• Leave extra space between you and the car ahead.
  
• Watch for sudden lane changes from drivers hunting for parking.
  
• Try riding early mornings or midweek to avoid the worst congestion.
  

3. Watch Road Conditions

Even when the weather’s dry, Northern Nevada roads can be unpredictable. So, you’ll need to –

• Keep an eye out for gravel, oil patches, or uneven pavement, especially on rural routes toward Lake Tahoe or Pyramid Lake.
  
• Don’t ride close to the edge of the road; that’s where debris likes to collect.

4. Ride Defensively

It’s not enough to follow the rules! You have to ride as if other drivers don’t see you and make sure to –

• Maintain a safe following distance.
  
• Always have an “escape route” in mind in case a car drifts into your lane.

5. Know Your Legal Rights

Even the most careful riders can end up hurt because of someone else’s negligence. Motorcycle crashes often bring serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and time away from work. If that happens –

• Get medical attention right away.
  
• Take photos and look for witness information at the scene.
  
• Call an experienced personal injury attorney who truly understands motorcycle accident cases.
  

Supporting Northern Nevada Riders Every Mile of the Way

For almost 70 years, Bradley Drendel & Jeanney has stood up for injured motorcyclists in Reno, Sparks, and across Nevada. We know the challenges riders face, from insurance bias against motorcyclists to the long recovery that comes with serious injuries.

If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, our trial-tested team is ready to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation and put Nevada’s most experienced personal injury trial law firm on your side.