Cold Weather Strategies that Can Keep You Riding This Winter

If you live in Massachusetts or in any other state that gets cold, snowy, and icy winters, and you’re a motorcycle rider, you are naturally frustrated when the weather doesn’t cooperate with your desire to ride. But as an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who also rides, Tom Kiley is here to tell you that keeping your riding going even through the bitter cold winter months is definitely possible.

 

Some Helpful Riding Tips

Riding your motorcycle during the winter is much more complicated than it is in the spring and summer. Staying warm while riding is a must if you want to travel safely and comfortably (or as comfortably as possible). Here are a few cold weather riding strategies from the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) that can help you enjoy riding all year-round:

• Insulate your body. Wear multiple layers, with the inner layer made of synthetic material and the outer layer being non-porous so bitter cold wind can’t sneak past. For your in-between layer, something like wool or fleece would be good. Full-face helmet with scarf or even balaclava underneath would also be a good idea. Electric warming gloves and other electric warming equipment are highly recommended for long trips.
• Watch out for black ice. Cold weather doesn’t just risk your physical safety; it can create hazards for your motorcycle as well. Black ice is almost clear frozen water on the ground. Make sure you are driving at reduced speeds and be especially careful on bridges, less-travelled roads, and any part of the road that is in the shade. If you hit ice, don’t brake. Pull in the clutch and allow the motorcycle to coast until you’re clear of the ice.
• Don’t let your bike freeze. Not only do you have to be prepared for the cold, your bike does too. Make sure to check all the fluid levels in your motorcycle, especially anti-freeze, as well as the tires. Make sure everything is full and in good condition before heading out into the cold.

 

When Others Don’t Practice Winter Driving Safety

Unfortunately, even if you figure out how to ride safely during the winter, it doesn’t mean other motorists do the same. Negligent or reckless actions by other drivers in bad weather are especially dangerous and can result in serious injury traffic accidents.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the unsafe driving of another motorist, the motorcycle legal team in Boston at Kiley Law Group can help. We have successfully handled a wide range of Massachusetts motorcycle accident cases and can provide you with the information you need to decide what is best for you.