Winter weather warning for motorcyclists

14 November 2011

Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is warning motorcyclists to play it safe as winter weather begins to make riding more difficult.

Partnership chairman Mike Ashworth said: "The roads offer less grip as it gets colder and fallen leaves make surfaces slippery. Add wet weather into the mix and braking distances are dramatically increased.
"These conditions are difficult for all road users but they pose a particular challenge to anyone travelling on two wheels. It's harder to keep your balance when the road surface is wet and fallen leaves can hide hazards such as drains and manhole covers."
Mike added: “Our advice is to avoid riding altogether in extreme weather conditions. If your journey is essential please explore other ways of getting from A to B.”
Motorcyclists are being encouraged to follow the partnership’s winter riding tips: 

• Always check the weather forecast before you set off

• Wear high visibility clothing so you’re prepared when it’s raining, snowing or foggy - choose gear that’s fluorescent during the day and reflective at night

• Remember that it takes longer to stop when the road is wet – slow down and leave a larger gap between you and the car in front

• When water is pooling or streaming across the road, ease off the throttle, grip the handlebars firmly and try to steer straight ahead

• Ride well away from the kerb when there are fallen leaves on the ground –they can disguise hazards such as drains and manhole covers

• Avoid overtaking high-sided vehicles when it’s windy

• Remember that fog hides hazards – ride at a speed that will allow you to stop in good time if the next thing you see is a crashed car

• If temperatures drop below zero, steer as smoothly as possible and leave a larger gap between yourself and the car in front

• If snow starts to settle, avoid the lines of slush and ice that collect between lanes