Winter Riding Tips From a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Riding along the Front Range on a pleasant winter’s day can be a magical experience. However, it can also end with a call to a motorcycle accident attorney if you are not careful. Before you head out on your next ride, we recommend you take the following winter riding tips to heart.

1. Cold Weather = Cold Tires. Cold tires mean less traction on the road. Adjust your riding style to allow more time for braking, acceleration, and completing turns.

2. Cold Weather = Fatigue. Cold weather coupled with high altitude can increase fatigue. Don’t ride for longer than you can stay awake, and don’t push yourself to travel too far in a single stretch.

3. Dress Appropriately. Always wear warm gloves with good grips. This will help ensure you don’t lose your dexterity. Also, wear multiple layers of clothing, but make sure that they do not diminish your ability to sit snugly on the seat and operate controls.

4. Watch for Hazards. Pay close attention for snow in the road, ice, sand/salt, pooled water, and other road debris. Watch closely for black ice. Most importantly, keep your speed down so that you have sufficient time to maneuver around any obstructions in your path.

5. Tune-up Before You Take Off. Always verify that you have sufficient oil, coolant, and fuel before every trip. Make sure that tires have sufficient tread, lights are functioning, and braking systems are in good condition.

6. Don’t Ride After Dark. When darkness falls, roads ice over, and obstructions become less visible. If you are taking longer trips, make sure that you schedule sufficient time to reach each stopover point on your journey before the sun falls beneath the horizon.

7. Adjust Your Trip for the Weather. Colorado weather is notoriously fickle. Always have a backup plan if Mother Nature decides that it’s time for a snowstorm or sudden drop in temperature.

8. Give Yourself Some Space. As with any vehicle, increase your following distance when traveling down I-25, US 34, I-70, etc.

We encourage you to contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. at (303) 447-1144 for more information about winter motorcycle safety. Our motorcycle accident attorneys are happy to help you avoid an accident on your next ride around the Rockies.