ARLINGTON, Va., October 6, 2026 — Cooler temperatures and colorful fall foliage make autumn an appealing time for a motorcycle ride. But the season also comes with conditions that require extra attention, including shorter days, colder temperatures, wet leaves, road debris, and increased wildlife activity. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation and AAA Northeast are encouraging motorcyclists and drivers to take a few extra precautions during this time of year to help make every trip a safer one.
Motorcycle riders continue to be vulnerable on the roadways. More than 6,200 riders were killed in 2024, according to latest data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making up 16% of all traffic fatalities.
For riders, prepare for changing conditions:
- Check your motorcycle before every ride. A quick inspection can help identify issues before they become problems on the road. MSF’s T-CLOCS Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist provides a convenient reminder of the key components to check. For added peace of mind, you can add motorcycle coverage to your AAA Northeast membership.
- Pay attention to tire pressure. Cooler temperatures can lower tire pressure, so check your tires and adjust them according to manufacturer recommendations. Keep in mind, tires may also take longer to warm up and reach optimal traction in cooler conditions.
- Layer up for the whole ride. Fall temperatures can change significantly over the course of a ride, particularly after sunset. Wear layers or appropriate cold-weather riding gear. Staying warm will help you stay focused and comfortable.
- Make yourself easy to see. With daylight hours getting shorter, riders may find themselves traveling in darkness more often. Wear light-colored or reflective gear and use your motorcycle’s auxiliary lights.
- Watch for leaves and debris. A road covered with leaves, particularly wet leaves, can be slippery. Gravel and other debris can also create hazards. Approach these areas cautiously — like you would ice — and avoid abrupt braking, acceleration, or steering.
- Be alert for wildlife. Deer and other animals can be more active this time of year, particularly around dawn and dusk. Use extra caution in wooded areas and near signs warning of wildlife crossings. If you see one deer, watch for others that may follow.
- Keep your skills fresh. Autumn is also a good time to review riding fundamentals and safety strategies. MSF offers additional riding information and Quick Tips for motorcyclists. And when you’re ready to ride again next season, consider a refresher course to brush up on your skills.
For drivers, keep an eye out for motorcycles:
Motorcycles can be more difficult to see than larger vehicles, and autumn conditions can create additional challenges for everyone sharing the road.
- Give motorcycles plenty of space. Increase your following distance when traveling behind a motorcycle. The extra space allows for more time to react if traffic slows or road conditions change.
- Check twice for motorcycles. Look carefully in your mirrors and check your blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or turning. Don’t assume that because you don’t immediately see a motorcycle that one is not there.
- Make sure a motorcyclist is actually turning before you pass. Most motorcycles have turn signals that do not automatically cancel. A signal may have been left on from a previous turn so don’t rely on the signal alone to determine a rider’s intentions.
- Stay focused on driving. Distracted driving puts everyone at risk. At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds means traveling roughly the length of a football field without watching where you’re going.
- Intentionally look for motorcycles. When pulling out of a driveway or parking lot, or when approaching an intersection, consciously scan for motorcycles as well as cars and trucks. A motorcycle’s smaller size can make it easier to overlook, especially in busy or visually complex environments.
“As we all enjoy autumn drives and road trips before colder temperatures arrive, it’s critical drivers stay extra alert for motorcycles sharing the roads,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “This is especially important given motorcycles can be more difficult to see due to their size and all road users are adjusting to less daylight this time of year. We also urge motorcycle riders to follow all traffic laws and make themselves as visible as possible to help ensure safe rides.”
“Autumn can be a fantastic time to ride, but it’s also a time when roadway conditions can change quickly,” said Andria Yu, a RiderCoach and spokesperson for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “This is why it’s important that motorcyclists use a good search strategy. By actively scanning and always checking your surroundings, a rider can better spot potential hazards before they become problems. For car drivers, we ask that you make a conscious effort to look for motorcyclists and give them the space they need.”
For more tips and rider education and safety information, visit MSF-USA.org and AAA.com.
About AAA Northeast
AAA Northeast is a not-for-profit auto club with offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York, providing more than 6.9 million local AAA members with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.