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As the Texas heat rolls in, motorcyclist across El Paso and beyond take to the roads to enjoy the thrill of summer riding. But while sunshine and scenic highways can make the season feel ideal for two-wheeled travel, it’s also the most dangerous time of year for motorcyclists.
The summer season isn’t just more active, it’s more unpredictable. For motorcyclists, who lack the protection of a steel frame and airbags, even minor collisions can lead to devastating injuries.
Texas also sees a surge in road construction during the summer, creating added challenges like loose gravel, narrowed lanes, and unmarked detours. Add in poor visibility from seasonal storms or wildfires, and even experience riders can find themselves in precarious situations.
Below are the seven most common and most dangerous hazards facing motorcycle riders in the summer months.
El Paso summers routinely hit triple-digit temperatures, and riding under direct sun can push your body past its limits. Heavy gear, long trips, and high humidity increase your risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Unlike drivers in air-conditioned cars, motorcyclists face direct exposure to heat and wind, which can dehydrate the body rapidly.
Symptoms like dizziness, disorientation, fatigue, and blurry vision can impair your ability to react to sudden road hazards. In severe cases, riders can lose consciousness mid-ride, endangering themselves and others.
To stay safe:
Summer is vacation season. From out-of-town tourists unfamiliar with El Paso roads to local families heading out for weekend getaways, there are simply more vehicles on the road, and with more traffic comes more danger.
Drivers towing trailers or maneuvering large RVs often struggle with blind spots, and distracted drivers trying to navigate new areas are more likely to make sudden lane changes, fail to yield, or ignore motorcycle presence altogether. Add in a significant number of teen drivers out of school, and collision risk climbs even higher.
Common scenarios include:
Motorcyclists should be especially cautious on major highways like I-10 and Loop 375. If you’re struck by a negligent driver, especially one who was texting, lost, or distracted, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer at Michael Gopin today for a free consultation!
Road maintenance ramps up in the summer, and that means navigating through poorly marked construction zones and unstable surfaces. While drivers might be inconvenienced by traffic cones and detours, motorcyclists face much greater risks.
Hazards include:
These dangers can cause a rider to lose balance, skid into other lanes, or be thrown from the motorcycle entirely. Government entities or contractors may be liable if a construction zone lacks proper signage, has unmarked hazards, or fails to meet safety regulations. If injured in one of these areas, it’s important to document conditions and consult a lawyer immediately.
Summer brings out first-time or seasonal riders who may not have the training or confidence to handle high-speed traffic or sudden road challenges. Many motorcycle crashes involve rider error, especially among those who haven’t practiced evasive maneuvers or emergency braking.
Group rides, popular in summer charity events or rallies, add another layer of complexity. Without clear communication, formation riding etiquette, or lead support, these rides can quickly turn dangerous.
Group ride accidents often involve:
If a crash occurs during an organized ride, the event host or organizer may be held accountable if safety protocols weren’t communicated or followed.
Holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are notorious for an uptick in DUI-related crashes. Alcohol and drug impairment reduce reaction times, coordination, and judgment, making impaired drivers a major hazard for riders.
Motorcycles are often harder to spot, and impaired drivers may swerve into their lane, ignore right-of-way rules, or fail to stop in time. Distracted driving, especially texting, using GPS, or adjusting music is also common during summer travel and can be just as dangerous.
If you’re hit by a drunk or distracted driver, immediate legal action is essential. Time-sensitive evidence like breathalyzer results or phone records can play a critical role in proving fault and securing compensation for your injuries.
Texas weather can change without warning, and a sunny ride can quickly turn into a battle against wind, rain, and lightning. Sudden summer storms bring low visibility, slick pavement, and hydroplaning hazards.
Motorcycles are more vulnerable in these conditions, as tire grip is reduced and strong gusts can affect stability. Debris like tree branches or road signs may blow into travel lanes.
Tips for handling summer storms include:
Rural roads and highways near desert or wooded areas see more wildlife movement in summer, especially at dawn and dusk. Riders may encounter:
Striking an animal at high speed can eject the rider from the bike, resulting in catastrophic injuries. While accidents involving wild animals typically aren’t grounds for legal claims, if a domesticated pet or farm animal is involved, the owner may be liable for failing to contain them.
El Paso has laws requiring pet owners to prevent their animals from roaming freely. If you collide with an unrestrained dog or horse, an attorney can help you pursue legal action.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle crash this summer, acting fast can make all the difference. Follow these steps:
At The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we help riders build strong claims backed by evidence, expert analysis, and aggressive legal strategy. Motorcycle injuries can result in lifelong consequences, and you shouldn’t have to bear that burden alone.
Many motorcycle accidents stem from negligence: unsafe roads, distracted drivers, impaired operators, or even poor event planning. As an injured rider, you may be eligible to recover damages for:
We offer free consultations, are available 24/7, and operate three convenient locations across El Paso. If you’re too injured to come to us, we’ll come to you. Don’t settle for insurance before knowing your legal options.
The freedom of the open road is what makes summer riding so appealing, but that freedom comes with real risk. By staying alert to seasonal hazards and making informed decisions, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash. But if the worst happens, know that legal support is available.
Call The Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, today to speak with an El Paso motorcycle accident lawyer who understands what riders face and how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...
We are experienced El Paso personal injury lawyers. Give us a call and you’ll be taken care of! (915) 333-3333
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