Is It Ever Safe To Ride Your Motorcycle On Icy Roads?
February 15, 2022If you are a motorcycle enthusiast you likely want to take your bike out at every opportunity you get. A rogue 60 degree day in February; in the pouring rain in June; during below freezing temperatures in late October. The list of times and conditions you want to take your motorcycle out is endless and truly may not have any blackout dates. It should, however, have one blackout condition that could cause you to get into a New Haven motorcycle accident.
Even the most experienced motorcycle riders should avoid riding on icy roads, especially when conditions are bad enough to close schools and office buildings. Icy roads present so many additional hazards for car drivers that society has deemed this type of road condition one that will lead to drivers being asked to stay home from work and school. It stands to reason that motorcycles would driving on these types of conditions would also be dangerous.
A true motorcycle enthusiast will not put her/his bike away for the winter months, but some common sense should be used when pondering whether driving conditions are safe to ride a motorcycle.
1.) Review the weather forecast. If roads are wet and temperatures are falling below freezing chances are the road will not safe to drive on with your motorcycle. You may op to stay home or drive a different vehicle when these types of conditions present themselves.
2.) Use your best judgement. Whenever you are thinking about going out to ride your motorcycle during the winter months take a step outside to experience the conditions for yourself before you get on to your bike. Can you safely walk on your sidewalks or driveway? Are you able to see ice on the roads or are they dry and clear? After assessing conditions on two feet, then you can decide whether you want to hop on two wheels for a ride.
3.) Leave yourself additional time. If you decide that conditions are ok to go for a ride, it is still winter and icy spots will likely exist when you’re out for a ride. Being able to take your time and not speed to your destination is a good way to keep yourself safe while riding your motorcycle in the winter months.
There is nothing like the brisk cold New England air rushing through your body as you enjoy a winter ride on your motorcycle, but you don’t want to put yourself in a precarious situation where you might end up in a New Haven motorcycle accident. Taking appropriate precautions and making sure you are using common sense are some of the best things you can do to avoid injury or worse.
If you do head out onto icy roads and get injured in a motorcycle accident our experienced attorneys have worked on cases with similar circumstances. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will look over the details of your case and work with you to protect your long-term interests.