Now that the weather is getting cooler, die-hard motorcycle riders don heating clothing so they can ride well into the winter months. If you are one of the many who are breaking out the heating gloves, socks, pants and jackets, be aware that your gear may add extra dangers to your hobby.

Most heated clothing uses energy from your bike’s battery to keep you toasty. This is convenient while you’re riding, but if you forget to unplug them, your battery can drain quickly and leave you stranded. One solution is to install a kick-starter on your bike, provided your setup supports it. The simpler solution is to always double check that your heated gear is unplugged when you park your bike.

Gear that plugs into your battery also carries another, more serious risk. Wires that protrude from your gear and plug into your bike threaten to tangle, even catching your hand and preventing you from riding safely. In extreme and rare cases, a tangled wire could cause an accident.

Make sure your heated clothing and other winter gear’s wires are only as long as they need to be to be securely plugged in. Don’t mess with plugs or wires while you’re riding; you’ll have to take your eyes off the road, and if something goes wrong you may not react in time. If you need to adjust or unplug, wait until you’re stopped, or pull over.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact Andrew Prince, New Jersey’s most experienced motorcycle attorney. Call today to set up your free consultation.