If you are a motorcycle rider, winter can be a tough time. A lot of people put their bikes in storage because they do not like riding in the cold weather, but some of you ride year-round, no matter what the weather is like. Riding your motorcycle in the wintertime is very challenging and can be dangerous, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy a nice ride in the chilly weather. 

Staying Safe During the Winter Months

Here are a few tips on how to stay safe:

First, you will want to make sure your bike is in good condition for winter riding.  All controls, wires, and components need to be in good condition to have a safe ride. Check that your tires are in good condition and that they have enough tread to properly handle slippery conditions. Check that your battery is fully charged, as the cold can drain your battery faster than in normal temperatures.  

Wear the proper clothing and gear. You will want to wear warm clothing that is waterproof to protect you from the elements. Wear layers so that you can adjust to the weather as needed. Your head, hands, and feet are all very vulnerable to the cold, so make sure you cover each of these parts! Staying warm will help you react to riding conditions better and keep you comfortable.

Since winter is a very unpredictable season, you need to stay alert and prepared for every situation.  Keep an eye on the weather, you do not want to ride your motorcycle in a blizzard! While on the road, keep a safe following distance from other vehicles on the road since it will take you much longer to safely stop your bike.  Be prepared for many hazards, ranging from fallen leaves, snow, ice, and debris on the road. Bridges freeze before normal roads, so be extra cautious when traveling over them. Keep your mind fully focused on your riding and get rid of distractions.  

Always have a plan in case something goes wrong.  With all the unpredictability of cold weather riding, you will want to make sure you have a fully charged cell phone so that you can contact someone in case of an emergency.  Let a family member or friend know you are riding before you take off.  Tell them your route and how long you think you will be gone so they can check on you and make sure you made it home safely.

Finally, you need to know your limits.  Some of us keep our bikes in winter storage for a reason.  If you are not confident in your riding skills and abilities in winter weather, then do not take the risk, keep your bike off the roads.  Your safety and the safety of others on the road are most important, so find another mode of transportation if you are not comfortable.  

Following these tips will help you have a safe and enjoyable winter motorcycle ride.  Always be prepared and you will have a great winter ride!

Andrew Prince has helped motorcyclists for decades by promoting safety and awareness for all riders.  He sits on the Board of Directors for Rider Education of New Jersey.  Check out their website. Andrew Prince has many great articles and videos on his website.

Sometimes you can do everything you can to keep yourself safe, but the unthinkable still happens.  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Andrew Prince right away.  He can start working to get you every dollar you deserve for your injury.  He has helped countless New Jersey bikers receive compensation for their injuries, medical bills and lost wages.  Let him help you. There is never a fee to talk.

Call Andrew S. Prince, Esq. for a free initial consultation at (732) 482-1533 or (732) 388-5454 or you can contact him via email at aprinceesq@aol.com.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.