Winter 2010 has started with a bang. The coldest November in 17 years has reminded us that, although a rarity, extreme winter weather can and does affect the UK. Obviously, gale force winds, ice and snow are not the best conditions to ride a motorcycle in. But once the cold snap has passed and we settle back into the normal winter weather, what precautions can motorcyclists take to stay safe during the winter months?
Is your journey necessary?
The term ‘fair weather rider’ is often bandied about as a derogatory term. It describes riders who will only venture out if the sun is shining and the road surface is free from ice, water or other natural hazards. But for motorcyclists who have the luxury of choice when it comes to how they make their journey, there is no shame in deciding to choose four wheels over two when the weather is particularly bad. So if the weather has taken a turn for the worse, consider first and foremost if it wouldn’t be safer to choose another method of transport and leave the bike in the garage!
If you have no choice but to use two wheels during the winter, there are things that can help you stay safe on the road.
Be safe – be seen
Darker nights, overcast and even foggy conditions can make motorcyclists very difficult to see, even during daylight hours. A motorcycle’s profile is a third the width of a car and without some form of additional visibility it is unlikely that other drivers will be constantly aware of your presence. During the winter it is advisable to always ride during the day with your headlight on dipped beam. You are far more likely to be seen by other motorists just by keeping your light on.
Reflective and hi-visibility clothing can also make you much more obvious to other drivers. While most motorcycle clothing now has reflective strips incorporated into the design, traditional leather ‘biker’ jackets are invariably black and therefore difficult to see. Don’t let pride in your appearance take precedence over safety. If your riding gear is black leather, a Sam Browne reflective belt can be easily put over the top of your jacket while riding.
Slow down
It seems obvious, but as the weather changes from dry summer roads to wet autumn and winter lanes covered in leaves, standing water and other hazards, you need to slow down. Junctions in particular can be hazardous, and even the white road markings can be a major danger to motorcyclists in wet weather. Allow yourself a little extra time for your journey and remember that it is better to get there a couple of minutes later than to not arrive at all.
If the worst happens…
Sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take as a rider, the worst can happen. If you are involved in an
accident that wasn’t your fault and you have taken every precaution you can to make sure that you are visible to other road users, then you could make a
claim for compensation. If you have been injured in an
accident then talk to a specialist
accident solicitor. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents often result in more serious injuries than car accidents, so a solicitor who is experienced in dealing with more serious
injury claims is vital. They will understand the nature of your injuries in more detail and, because of their experience in dealing with these types of accidents, will be able to pursue a
claim more successfully.
Other Articles of N Glover
Spinal injuries can devastate not just the lives of the victims, but those of family and close friends too Knowing that a previously active and healthy individual is going to have to go through a prolonged period of adjustment and complete lifestyle change can be difficult to come to terms with
(May 13, 2012)
With more than 400,000 people in the UK making whiplash compensation claims every year, claims solicitors have plenty of work on their plates But if you’re the victim of a more serious accident such as a spinal injury, head injury or serious motorcycle accident, your situation could be far more complex than a simple case of whiplash
(May 13, 2012)
Winter’s firmly in the rear view mirror and we’re heading rapidly towards warmer, drier days – perfect motorcycling weather But before you pull the covers off your bike and head out on the road, take the opportunity to make sure both you and your bike are ready
(May 13, 2012)
The physical consequences of a serious head injury can be far reaching and long term But the problem with serious head injuries is that no two are the same
(May 13, 2012)
Spinal Injury Claim: How an accident claim can improve a spinal injury victim’s standard of life experience
Anyone who has suffered from a spinal injury understands the impact it can have not only on physical health but also on lifestyle and occupational choices While less serious injuries such as whiplash can cause temporary pain and discomfort, damage to the spine has the potential to change a victim’s life forever
(Apr 27, 2012)
Brain Injury Compensation
Sustaining a brain or serious head injury is probably one of the most traumatic times that anyone could experience It can leave those who were once living a fully independent life relying on round the clock care for the rest of their lives; having to learn the most basic functions that most of us take for granted every day
(Apr 27, 2012)
The road to rehabilitation after suffering a serious injury is well known as being a long one, full of ups and downs
Whether it’s learning to do the most basic of functions that many of us take for granted, it’s anything but easy
(Apr 27, 2012)
Accidents and injuries can cause massive disruption to anyone’s life Perhaps you have already suffered an injury that could have been avoided if someone had been a little bit more careful, or had a bit more common sense
(Apr 27, 2012)
The difficulties in coping both physically and psychologically in the aftermath of a spinal injury can be one of the most challenging hurdles out there Learning to live without a function that almost everyone takes for granted is hard
(Apr 27, 2012)
An injury to the brain or the head can have a profound effect on quality of life Unlike many other forms of injury, brain injury affects the functions of the mind, and so can cause potentially massive changes to lifestyle and capability
(Apr 23, 2012)
