5 Things You Can Do To Avoid A Winter New Haven Motorcycle Accident

Ask most experts and they might advise against riding your motorcycle in the winter months in New Haven and some recent storms that we have had may back up the thoughts behind why it may not be safe. You’re hearty though and have decided you want to take your bike out for a ride even when the cold weather is locked in for the next few months. We can respect that.

Let’s just say you’re going to ride your motorcycle each week a couple of times a week and you want to make sure that when you do you’re doing everything in your power to avoid a New Haven motorcycle accident so you can stay safe and continue to ride another day. While it may be a little more dangerous to ride your motorcycle in the winter months because weather conditions can be unpredictable and the streets, even if they look clear, may be covered in black ice which could be tricky for a rider, you can still ride your motorcycle safely if you’re careful.

The first thing you should do is make sure you have a clear understanding of what the weather conditions are going to be. If you wake up and hear that there is a winter storm approaching you may want to opt to drive your car that day. However, if you wake up and forecasts are calling for above freezing temperatures and no precipitation you may be good to go. It is critical that you keep a close eye on the weather forecast so you make sure you don’t get caught in a winter storm, even one that just produces light snow squalls, because even the lightest winter storms can make the roads slippery and dangerous for riding a motorcycle.

Once you have a good handle on the weather you will want to take the following steps to make sure you are staying safe while riding your motorcycle.

Step #1: Dress appropriately. While it is always important to dress appropriately when riding a motorcycle no matter what season you are riding in, during the winter months the proper clothing can be the difference between a successful ride and one where you end up injured and in the hospital. Your clothing should be warm and waterproof because you never know when you’re going to come upon a patch of wet road.

Step #2: Take your time to get to your destination. If you’re on your motorcycle and racing to your next destination you could be putting yourself at great risk of injury or worse. This is particularly true in the winter months when road conditions can unexpectedly change and if you’re traveling too fast you might put yourself in a dangerous position. Take your time and slow down while you’re driving, that way you can enjoy your motorcycle in the winter and still make it to your destination in a timely manner.

Step #3: Be aware of your surroundings. Even if there may not be snow or ice on the road in front of you, you will want to be on the lookout for any residual snow or ice that may be leftover from a recent storm. Not only is snow or ice build up on the roads a possibility, but when snow storms happen and snow banks get piled up on street corners it can be particularly challenging to see around them and know when it is safe to turn.

Step #4: Make sure you are riding during times of the day that allow for the best possible visibility. During the day is best and if you can avoid getting on your motorcycle when weather conditions like fog or rain are happening you will keeping yourself safe. Riding at dusk can be particularly dangerous and remember that during the winter months days are a lot shorter so what you might have been able to get away with in the spring and summer months will not fly in the winter.

Step #5: Wear a helmet. While this is not the law in the state of Connecticut for adult riders it is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe on your motorcycle. Even if you do get into an accident a helmet will make sure your head is protected against any fall and that you will be able to avoid serious injury in the event of an accident. The only way to insure that you have the best possible chance of not getting hurt when you get into an accident, whether you’re riding in the winter or not, is to wear a helmet.

The winter months provide an exciting opportunity to get your motorcycle out on the road when others might not be interested in battling the cold and the elements. Riding in the winter can be invigorating, but without the proper safety steps it can also increase your risk of getting into a New Haven motorcycle accident exponentially over riding during the spring, summer and fall. If you choose to hit the road when the weather is bitter and cold, make sure you’re taking the steps you need to take to avoid any serious injury so you can get out on your motorcycle the next day and the day after that.

We wish you safe riding and if you ever need someone to take a look at your situation you may want to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you about the ways in which they can help you protect your long-term interests.