Staying safe when riding a motorcycle in winter is important. Follow these tips to drive safe this winter. Riding a motorcycle always carries some level of risk. You’re on a slim, small, and fast-moving vehicle that’s capable of weaving in and out of lanes and between them. Of course, when you ride in the winter in snowy, icy conditions, it’s even more dangerous. If you’re in the New Jersey area and you don’t have any other vehicles to travel a considerable distance, you may have no choice but to take your bike for a spin. Our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer explains.

Risks of Motorcycling in Bad Weather

Knowing how to identify and mitigate the risks of motorcycling in bad weather could help avoid a motorcycle accident. Adverse weather is not uncommon in New Jersey. Unfortunately, bad weather conditions can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident and even exacerbate the effects of a crash.

Rain

Motorcycle accident rates tend to be higher during times of excessive rainfall. Accidents are more common during rainstorms because of poor road conditions, reduced visibility, and minimal traction.

One of the most dangerous times to ride is just after the first rain following a dry period. Oil accumulates on roadways and makes the road especially slippery when the oil has not been washed away recently.

When it has been raining for some time, motorcyclists can also face increased danger from potholes and other road defects. These dangers may be clearly visible when the road is dry, but heavy rain can fill in the potholes completely. What looks like a puddle may actually be a deep hole.

Ice

Icy roads can be dangerous for any vehicle, but motorcycles are more difficult to control on slick roads because they only have two wheels. On a slippery surface, the rear wheel of a motorcycle may lock and increase the risk of losing control.

Riding slowly and in as straight of a line as possible may help motorcyclists avoid issues with ice. If a bike does begin to slip, riders can lightly skim the ground with their feet for added stability.

Fog

When the weather cools to dew point temperature in New Jersey, moisture in the air can condense and create a thick layer of fog that dramatically reduces visibility. In dense fog, using your hazard lights can make you more visible to other motorists on the road.

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and use side markers, not the middle of the lanes, for guidance. Because there may be no land markers to gauge speed, be aware of how fast you are riding.

Unfortunately, many motorcyclists are killed in New Jersey every year due to inclement weather conditions and the negligence of other drivers who may not be as cautious when the weather is poor. Knowing how to avoid an accident and taking extra precaution during poor weather can help save lives.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, you have the right to try and get compensation for your injuries from the at-fault party. An experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options, build your case, and negotiate on your behalf. Contact the Law Office of Jerry Friedman for a free consultation with our New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney.

Staying Safe While Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter in NJ

Unfortunately, accidents can easily happen no matter what you’re driving when snow and ice are on the road. To minimize your risks, here are some tips for safely riding a motorcycle during winter weather.

Slow Down

You should always slow down when riding in wintry weather conditions. Motorcycles are meant to go fast, but with slippery conditions due to snow and ice, you should reduce your normal speed. It will prevent you from swerving and having to brake too hard and fast, and it should keep you upright.

Check Your Tires

Even if your tires were in great working condition during the spring, summer, and fall, it’s important to check them during the winter. During normal road conditions, they heat up after you ride your motorcycle regularly, which means there’s more traction so that you can expertly control the bike. However, when temperatures dip below freezing, you have less traction, especially when snow and ice are on the ground. You should periodically inspect the condition of your tires and check their pressure as well with a gauge.

Wear Proper Gear

If you’re going to ride your motorcycle in winter weather, it’s imperative to wear the proper gear. Layer up and invest in a good pair of heavy-duty gloves, boots, pants, a jacket, and a full-face helmet that’s DOT approved. Appropriate gear not only keeps you toasty warm and prevents road rash, but it also protects you from serious injury if you end up crashing. You can even find heated jacket liners and gloves, which are specifically made for winter riders.

Prep Your Bike for Winter Riding

Of course, if you’re going to ride your motorcycle during the winter, you must prep it first. You should add a large windscreen and hand guards to the bike. Heated grips can make your ride far more pleasant when the temperature is frigid. If your bike takes antifreeze, check it and make sure it’s changed annually and properly mixed. Your hoses should also be in top shape as well.

If you get hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you will want to have our skilled New Jersey motorcycle accident attorney on your side. Contact our lawyer, Jerry Friedman, at your earliest convenience to see if you have a case. Our experienced New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensation if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence.

Contact New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been injured in New Jersey in a motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence, we can help you seek full and fair compensation for your losses. For a private consultation with New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Jerry Friedman, contact our law offices at 1-800-LAW-4-HOGS or online.