Tennessee doesn’t have particularly cold or snowy winters, and the snow that does fall usually doesn’t stay for very long. However, your risk for a crash may be higher in the winter months than it is in the summer. Understanding what causes those risks can help you stay safer on your motorcycle.
Weather risks affect the roads and you as the motorcyclist
Both colder temperatures and precipitation can lead to slippery roads and unsafe riding situations. Keeping a close eye on the weather and having an emergency system in place in case you have to stop for safety’s sake is important if you intend to keep riding all winter. Good gear and proper maintenance can go a long way to safer trips as well.
Visibility is even more important during the colder months
One of the biggest risks motorcyclists face is how people in bigger vehicles often don’t see them until it is too late. Inattentional blindness is what leads drivers to fail to notice motorcycles. If they don’t actively look for them, they may not mentally recognize them when they are ahead of them or next to them on the road.
Unfortunately, inattentional blindness may be an even bigger risk in the colder months because there are fewer bikes on the road. Making yourself extra visible and being careful to monitor other drivers for signs that they haven’t seen you can help you stay safe and avoid a crash. If you are injured in a crash caused by someone else, you have the right to seek compensation for your expenses and damages.