Taking Extra Care on Two Wheels During the Winter Months
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.
Author Bio: Serious injury lawyers with unrivalled expertise. Specialist services for brain injury, accident claims head injury and spinal injury from the UK’s leading specialised injury law practice. Contact: rskidmore@seriouslaw.co.uk Tel: 0800 61 66 81
Category: Legal
Keywords: injury,accident,claim,law,brain,head
