By Lane Triplett, Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety

Since the use of highway crack sealant/filler first began, motorcyclists have lived in fear. Warm weather causes the substance used in this process to become pliant and slick. Due to the hazards of this slickness, and the general crooked ‘snake-like’ nature of filled cracks, motorcyclists have dubbed them “Tar Snakes”.  In even the slightest of corners, motorcycles can slide until their wheels make contact with pavement. This is, of course, an unnerving feeling for the rider.  In a hard cornering situation, the results can be devastating for the motorcyclist. When a motorcycle in a leaning stance in a corner contacts a tar snake, it starts to lose traction which causes the motorcycle to lean even closer to the pavement. After the motorcycle crosses the sealant and makes contact with pavement, the resulting traction gain tends to stand the motorcycle upright. The force of this action can flip a motorcycle instantly.

Pieces of this material close to road edges have dislodged and caused crashes. A hard braking situation to avoid another vehicle, animal, or other obstruction can also lead to a loss and sudden regain of traction.  This loss and gain interferes with the dynamics of a 2-wheeled vehicle and can easily cause a crash. Autos and trucks on 4 or more wheels rarely experience a slide on sealant. But motorcycles on 2 wheels experience it every time they enter an area of improper repair.

How sealant is applied makes a significant difference. Wide applications make for larger slippery surfaces. In recent years, the “spider webbing” in a road surface that precludes a pothole has been filled over with crack sealant material creating a large patch. Such patches are even more dangerous to motorcycles.

Motorcyclists have some suggestions that may help:

• Add material with a grit that would aid in maintaining constant traction
• Use signage to warn motorcyclists that crack sealant has recently been applied
  • Our experience tells us that sealant that has been recently applied is most likely to be slick. Summer heat also exacerbates the danger.
• Cut out and replace “spider-webbed” areas rather than seal them
• Clean out and route cracks, and make fills as narrow as possible
  • Research suggests that over-banded crack seals fail faster, needlessly use more material than is necessary, and create a safety problem for motorists

Tar snakes are a grave problem for motorcyclists that are far underestimated and under-reported. We understand that funding for safety can be dependent on crash statistics. However, if a motorcycle remains rideable after a crash caused by traction issues with tar snakes, quite often the crash goes unreported for fear of increased insurance premiums because the motorcyclist is “at fault.” When crashes are reported, the motorcycle riding community incurs the financial burden of rising insurance costs although the problem is a structural one, not a behavioral one on the part of the motorcyclist. This fact should be seriously considered when looking for safety funds.

Tar snakes are dangerous and becoming more problematic as districts use this procedure to control costs. We understand that there is never enough money to keep our highways in good repair; however, safety should never be compromised for any road user. The way sealant has come to be used is far from safe for motorcyclists. There have already been injuries and damaged motorcycles as a result of tar snakes and “spider-web” patching, and if these practices continue, we fear that an unfortunate motorcyclist will lose a life. This is a risk that can be greatly reduced simply by implementing better methods for road repairs that do not cost much more than current methods.

The Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety strongly urges that all state and local highway districts review current practices and make appropriate procedural changes that will enhance the safety of all road users.

Attention Local Highway Jurisdictions:

If you are experiencing large amounts of cracking, patching or deterioration please consider applying for a Local Rural Highway Investment Program (LRHIP) Grant. Applications are available online at www.lhtac.org/programs/lrhip and due at the end of November.

For questions regarding LRHIP please contact Laila Kral at lkral@lhtac.org or 208-344-0565.