Strategies for Minimizing the Risk of Injury in Snowy or Icy Weather

If you love to ride a motorcycle, you’re not inclined to let a little inclement weather keep you off the roads. While riding a bike in the winter in New Jersey is potentially more dangerous than at other times of the year, you can still enjoy the freedom of the open road, even in December or January. Here are a few tips for maximizing your safety on a motorcycle this winter in New Jersey.

Winterize Your Bike Before You Hit the Road

Start by checking out your tires. Make sure you have at least 1/8th of an inch of tread. While the cold weather will actually cause your tires to deflate a little, that can be helpful, as slightly underinflated tires will have more surface area in contact with the road, potentially giving you more traction.

You’ll be creating your own wind chill when riding a motorcycle in the winter. You can minimize the impact with the right windscreen and the use of hand guards. While motorcycles don’t typically have windshield wipers similar to those on a passenger vehicle, there are some accessories that can be added to either a windshield or your helmet to help keep your vision clear.

Dress Properly

While every part of your body can be at risk of hypothermia, it’s your extremities that are most susceptible. Think “fingers, toes, ears, and nose.” Those are the body parts that will most quickly be in danger of frostbite. Well-insulated gloves and boots are an absolute must. You may also want to consider wearing a balaclava or knit cap under your helmet.

To keep your torso and legs warm, you’ll want to layer. A number of thin layers of waterproof fabric will be better than a single bulky overcoat.

Adapt for the Weather

You can’t ride like you do in the summer. You’ll likely need to reduce speeds and pay a lot more attention to the road in front of you. You’ll generally need more distance to come to a complete stop, and you can be at risk of skidding on any sharp turn.

Contact the Law Offices of David J. Karbasian, PC

You have the right to seek full and fair compensation when you’ve been hurt in any type of motorcycle accident caused by the carelessness of another person. We can help. Send us an email today or call us at 856-600-HURT to schedule an appointment to discuss your claim. Evening and weekend consultations are available upon request. We can come to your home or the hospital to meet with you, if necessary.