The Dangers of Winter Riding

The UK’s largest motorcycle insurance comparison website, www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk has discovered that motorcyclists are recording a 30% increase in ‘own-fault’ accident claims statistics over the winter period demonstrating that UK roads can be more dangerous throughout the winter.

www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk brings you some tips on safer riding and a quick guide to maximising your road experience during the colder months. 

• Reading traffic – Car drivers’ visibility can be restricted by misted windscreens and foggy wing-mirrors during the bad weather. Allowing extra time to react to unpredictable movements will keep close-calls to a minimum. Being aware of other road-users habits will also help; for example, be cautious of a driver who is continually changing lanes on a motorway. Likewise, to help other road-users, signal early and don’t make any erratic moves.

• Road Positioning and Braking Time – Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and allow for extra braking time. It may seem obvious but a thin layer of frost or a rain-sodden, leaf-covered lane can be just as dangerous as black ice so give yourself more time and space to react in an emergency. The bad weather will also affect the visibility of oncoming traffic so keep your headlights on and be vigilant to approaching vehicles. 

• Tyres – Consider your wintertime tyre choice. Sports bikes in particular, tend to be originally equipped with sports-orientated tyres. In bad weather these struggle to warm to their optimised operating temperature and can’t channel excess water sufficiently.  Grip levels suffer massively as a consequence, leaving bikers without the confidence to enjoy their ride. Consider fitting tyres better suited for use during the winter season. 

• Take Caution – Throughout the winter months, road conditions deteriorate rapidly. Be aware that just around the next bend, an unexpected pothole could appear. On narrow country lanes, mud from the grass verge could be spilled onto the road by wider vehicles or from vehicles that have been off-road. 

• Cross-Winds – Be cautious of cross-winds on more blustery days. Exposed roads and bridge crossings are particularly susceptible so riders should be alert to cross-wind hotspots as well as when passing large objects that can funnel wind around them. The most common are buildings and of course, lorries. 

• Wear the Right Kit – There’s nothing better than riding along an open road but there’s nothing worse than riding when cold and wet. Protective weatherproof overalls are always a winner along with a substantial base-layer and elementary items such as neck warmers. Hi-vis vests should always be considered but especially in bad weather and low-light conditions. 

• Weather Forecast - British weather isn’t the most predictable, checking the forecasts should help avoid freak conditions. 

• Be Prepared – Plan for unexpected, cold-induced mechanical issues or even simple but frustrating problems such as locks freezing over. Breakdown cover is one of the best investments a rider can make to ensure the maximum chance of always being on the road. And it could save you from hours on the side of a busy, wet and cold lay-by in the winter.

Article supplied by www.thebikeinsurer.co.uk - offering comparison motorcycle insurance quotes.