Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in Snow and Ice

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In Kansas City, we get an annual average of about 15 inches of snow between October and April. It’s no secret that dipping temperatures and pileup of snow and ice lead to greater danger on the road, especially for motorcyclists. At DiPasquale Moore, we have served motorcyclists who have been in a variety of accidents and sustained many different serious injuries. In our experience, we have found that many of these accidents could have been avoided. If you’re two-wheeling it in the wintertime, there are a few measures you can take to steer clear of avoidable collisions and injuries:

  • Dress appropriately: This one is pretty simple. If you wear enough layers and invest in durable, weatherproof outerwear, you’re less likely to fall ill or freeze while riding. When preparing to get on the road, keep in mind that it will feel approximately 10 degrees cooler while you are riding. This is why it’s important to wear protective, insulative, and weatherproof gear, especially when it comes to the head, hands, and feet. If you are so cold and ill-protected that you begin to lose feeling in your feet or hands, it could seriously impede your ability to steer, brake, avoid ice patches, and avoid colliding with other motorists.
  • Prep your motorcycle for winter weather: It may not look as sleek and stylish as you’d like, but it’s worth it to make sure you have all the right hardware before going on a winter ride. Before hitting the road, make sure you have windguards, a windscreen, and heated grips installed, and be sure your antifreeze has been changed within the last year. Also check your hoses to make sure they aren’t leaking or susceptible to snapping, freezing, or breaking due to freezing temperatures. Having all of this in place preserves your ability to handle your motorcycle and decreases the likelihood of experiencing a cold weather-related malfunctions while driving.
  • Ease up while driving: Tailing other motorists and driving over the speed limit are generally to be avoided while on a motorcycle at any time of year, but it’s even more important when there’s ice on the road. If the driver in front of you hits a patch of ice and goes sliding, you won’t be able to avoid a collision (or slipping on the ice yourself) unless you give yourself enough time to react.
  • Stay home when it snows: It may sound like fun to go out for a drive when it’s lightly snowing, but it could be very dangerous if you end up driving in anything more than a flurry. If you are riding and snow begins to fall more heavily, it may be wise to pull into a nearby restaurant, store, etc. and have your motorcycle towed back to your home. Better to be in a safe, enclosed than out on the road and unable to get home without posing serious risk to yourself and your motorcycle.

Talk to a Kansas City Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you’re on the other side of the safety talk and have already been in a serious wintertime motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to get the help you need. Our team of Kansas City motorcycle accident lawyers is here to serve you and answer all your questions. If your accident was caused by poor roadway conditions, another motorist, or by the negligence or recklessness of another party, our team at DiPasquale Moore is here to help you figure out what your next move should be.

call us at (816) 888-7500 right away to schedule your complimentary consultation, or reach out to us by filling out this short online form.

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