Ever since you can remember, you’ve wanted a motorcycle. You made the decision that this year was going to be the year that you finally went out and bought one. Unfortunately, in order to get your wife’s blessing, you had to promise her that you would get all the safety gear, read all the manuals cover-to-cover, and that you would only ride it in the spring and summer. With that, you bought your first Hog.
Although you’ve only had it for a month, you expected to get at least 10,000 miles racked up before having to comply with your promise, and then put her away for the winter. Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been cooperating. Due to cold fronts, rain, and a few alarmingly early periods of snow fall, you’ve only managed to ride about 10 times.
So, after a lengthy and somewhat heated discussion with your wife, you managed to convince her to extend the deadline. Again, she had some safety conditions. You must make sure you have all the proper winter gear you needed, and that you can’t ride it while it when snowing. Of course, you agreed, but now you’re not exactly sure what you agreed to.
What is the proper gear for winter motorcycling?
Frostbite and Hypothermia Protection to Prevent Motorcycle Accident Injuries
Over the past five years, motorcycle traffic throughout the months of September through January have steadily increased. Although spring and summer months have the highest traffic total of over 8.5 million riders throughout the United States, fall and winter are no longer the “No Ride” seasons. Instead, riders have begun to bundle up and brave the elements rather than cutting their ride times down. As a result, motorcycle accidents, injuries, and deaths have also been steadily increasing.
Although road conditions are usually blamed, how the weather affects the rider can also be a significant factor in accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with the National Weather Service, suggest that the debilitating symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia can cause the rider to lose control of the bike and subsequently cause an accident.
This is why it is extremely important to protect yourself against wind, freezing temperatures, and moisture. In addition to your basic safety gear—helmet, jacket, and boots—riding comfortably in cold weather requires additional gear choices to keep you from developing frostbite or hypothermia, and freezing to death. These warming essentials include:
- Under layer of clothing. This includes thermals and moisture-wicking undergarments. When you sweat the moisture can create a cold barrier between your skin and your clothing. Make sure your thermals are rated to not only keep your skin warm, but to suck moisture away from your skin as well.
- Middle layer. Sweaters, thick pants, and moisture wicking socks will add an additional layer of warmth and help insulate the thinner under layers.
- Outer layer. Coats, gloves, neck warmers, insulated full-head helmets, and insulated boots will help eliminate windchill.
- Windshields. Motorcycle windshields can be very effective for diverting the wind away from your face and body.
Remember, dressing appropriately won’t just improve the comfort of your ride, but it will help decrease temperature risks—helping to prevent serious accidents.
What to Do When the Weather Isn’t to Blame
Insurance companies are quick to blame poor weather conditions and slippery roads for an accident. However, in many cases, the accident could have been avoided even though the weather was treacherous. In these instances, poor decisions, lack of proper planning, or even flat out reckless driving on the behalf of a motorist, or cyclist could have been the cause of your injuries.
If you believe you or a loved one was seriously injured as a result of another’s negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. Our vast experience, knowledge, and loyalty to our clients will help convince you that you deserve more than an insurance brush off. Call today to see what you truly deserve.
Need more information on motorcycle injuries or claims? Feel free to browse our site for additional advice, guidance, and reassurance that choosing our representation is the best decision you can make following a motorcycle accident.
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