Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
This article was published on October 28th, 2022
The joys of riding in the summer sun can feel like a distant memory for motorcyclists as winter creeps in, making it more perilous to ride a motorbike. Dark nights, wet roads and cold weather all combine throughout the winter months to make it one of the most dangerous times for road users. With that said, we thought what better time for us to offer our motorcycle safety tips for the winter months?
When winter strikes, the cold and damp weather can deter some riders from checking their motorbike as regularly as they should. However, these checks are even more important in the winter months.
The essential parts of the bike that should be checked regularly include the tyres, lights, brakes, oil, stand and the main body of the bike. On cold days, in particular, give yourself a few extra minutes to start the bike, and let it run for a few minutes so that all the components get time to warm up.
Whilst you should never ride a motorbike too close to another vehicle, it’s particularly important that you don’t during winter. Whether it’s rain, wind ice or snow, the weather can have a big impact on the stopping distance of a vehicle. The further back you can remain from the vehicle in front the better, as you’ll have an increased window of opportunity to react should you need to hit the brakes.
For those who ride a motorbike, it can sometimes be difficult to know what gear you may need for different days during winter, however, there are a few pieces of gear that every biker should wear.
A motorcycle helmet is an essential part of any biker riding gear and it has the potential to save your life in the event of an accident. Make sure you invest in one that fits properly and, that you’ll feel comfortable riding in.
Outerwear is almost as important as a motorbike helmet as it has the potential to prevent what may otherwise be a serious injury.
Whilst leathers and kevlar are staples for riders across the country, during winter, bikers don’t only need to wear the right clothing to protect them from falls or accidents, but they also need to consider the cold.
A balaclava and thermal clothing and liners for your gloves should be a priority as well as a high-viz vest or jacket as it can help other road users see you better, particularly if you need to ride at night.
Every biker should also invest in protective biker boots. If possible go for ones with steel toecaps for added protection. Whilst boots are important all year round, they are particularly important during winter as roads have added dirt and debris on them and the cold can cause roads to degrade and kick up pieces of asphalt as you ride.
Before you head out in winter, make sure you’ve checked the weather forecast, assess the conditions on the day you plan on riding and most of all bike smart. If the conditions show any signs of being icy then you might be better off giving the bike a miss on that day to ensure you stay safe.
Unfortunately, even if you follow all of our motorcycle safety tips, accidents can still happen. If you are involved in a motorbike accident this winter your priority should be your health and well-being. Make sure that you obtain medical assistance as soon as possible following the accident.
Following an accident, it’s important to also instruct an expert solicitor who has experience in handling motorcycle injury claims. Thorneycroft Solicitors Catastrophic Injury team has developed particular expertise in handling motorcycle injury claims.
With our Head Office being based in Macclesfield, just a stone’s throw from the infamous Cat & Fiddle road, which is a well-known motorcycle route with bikers, we have seen first-hand the effect that a motorcycle accident can have on both the biker and their family.
We aim to do all we can to not only secure the financial compensation you deserve but also ensure you get the rehabilitative treatment and emotional support that both you and your family may need following your accident.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team to discuss a potential claim you can request a call back by completing our online enquiry form or you can call us for free on 0800 1979 345.
