It goes without saying that it’s even more important than usual to drive safely when the weather is cold. In bad weather conditions, in addition to the omnipresent dangers of everyday riding, there are wet and icy roads to pay attention to as well.  It is imperative that certain precautions be taken in order to make the riding experience as safe as possible.  

It’s always best to completely avoid slippery spots in the road whenever possible. If those spots can’t be avoided, driving at a reasonable speed will help ensure that you’ll be able to handle any wet and/or slippery conditions safely. Be sure to reduce your speed enough – especially when you are navigating corners – it can be more difficult to stop if the roads are in less than optimal shape.

Also, don’t forget to keep warm. Liners under the helmet can help keep body heat in. And of course, don’t forget to dress properly – you should have the necessary cold weather riding gear. It’s much easier to maintain control of the bike and maintain concentration when your body is warm. Getting too cold can cause our body reactions to slow down. Furthermore, thinking about how cold you are is an unnecessary distraction; you might not notice the patch of ice coming up if you’re half shivering to death. It is especially critical that you keep your hands warm – a good pair of gloves is vital to ensuring an enjoyable and safe ride in cold weather.  

When you need to apply the brakes on slippery surfaces – it is usually the best practice to engage both the front and rear brakes simultaneously. Applying the brakes slowly and gradually can help keep the front wheel from locking up and maintain stability. Also, if you are moving at a very low speed, you can try using your feet to help stop the bike by letting them slide on the road—this can also help prevent a fall from occurring.  

Be especially diligent when watching for obstacles, debris, and oil spots in the road.  Anticipate any potential problems, and manage your speed appropriately in order to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment on a wet or slippery road.  

By being cautious and keeping warm, you can effectively and comfortably ride in cold weather, which can extend your riding season much longer than normal.

Jim Buchanan is a writer for Powers Honda. For more information about Honda please visit http://www.powershondaparts.com

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