Winter driving for most vehicles is dangerous, especially if you don't adapt to the changes on the roads during winter months.
Obviously one of the most vulnerable vehicles during winter is the motorcycle, as one major slip can cause severe damage to your body.
However, if you change your driving tactics and techniques and are very cautious on the road, you can get through the winter months riding safely, without harm to your body.
Here's a few handy tips to help you on the road this winter.
Wrap Up Warm When the cold gets into our bones, we become easily distracted and can lose our attention on the road.
Thus being too cold, especially in the fingers or wet, can be more of a hazard than you think.
When riding in colder or wetter conditions, make sure you have all the normal personal protective gear (helmet, leathers, boots, gloves) and several layers to keep you warm and safe.
Winter motorcycle wear is also available to keep out the cold when riding.
Think about carrying around with you a spare pair of gloves, in case they get wet.
Be Cautious With Ice Like any vehicle on the road, you need to be cautious in winter months.
So before you ride make sure all your protective gear is clean, especially visors, and that your motorcycle boots and your motorcycle wheels have enough grip.
When riding, look out for ice and be aware of weather conditions, such as hale and wind etc, and how these will affect your driving.
Your grip on the road will be far less, so drive at a safe speed in your lane with enough space around you to adjust position (if necessary) as you ride along.
Be Aware of Low Visibility When riding in winter, it's fundamental that you react to low visibility.
Drive slower to improve visibility and make sure you are totally aware of all your surroundings throughout the journey.
Be also aware that other drivers will also suffer from low visibility too, so make sure cars can see you on the road using all their mirrors.
Pedestrians visibility is severely affected too, so watch out for loose pedestrians crossing the road.
Be Aware of the Rain Wet roads are another awful condition for motorcyclists as the roads become slippery, turning effectively into ice ring for motorcyclists.
However, a motorcyclist can be perfectly safe in rainy conditions if they lengthen their breaking distance to account for the slippery road.
It is further recommended that in rainy conditions you look out for wet leaves and avoid them as these are main cause of motorcyclists slipping and losing control of the vehicle.
Be Aware of the Wind A top tip is to avoid riding in strong winds, as when riding it's a matter of you vs the wind; with you coming out the worse for wear.
But if you do decide to ride windy conditions at your own peril, always be aware of items drifting in the wind, which could hit you and bits of rubbish that have drifted onto the road as these are dangerous and must be avoided.