10 motorcycle safety tips for riding in strong winds

Riding in the wind can be challenging for even the most experienced motorcycle riders. The MotorEagles® motorcycle accident attorneys recommend these tips for fighting high winds:

Riding year round can be tricky for motorcyclists who are forced to adapt to temperature shifts and other seasonal changes. But if you live in the Northeast or Midwest, fall and winter can be especially challenging not only because of colder temperatures and slippery roads, but also because of heavy winds.

The wind always seems to be blowing in states like Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois or New Hampshire where it’s not uncommon to experience 25 mile-per-hour (mph) winds on any given day. But fighting the wind is even more difficult during the colder months as wind speed intensifies due to changes in pressure, the motorcycle lawyers at MotorEagles® have said. In some areas, winds can increase in speed by nearly 20 mph from summer to winter.

For example, Mt. Washington, N.H. has an average wind speed of 27.3 mph in June and an annual average wind speed of 44.5 mph in December, according to the National Climate Data Center (NCDC). That’s compared to Southwestern states like Phoenix, AZ, which experiences an average wind speed of only 6.7 mph in June and 5.1 mph in December.

Riding in high winds can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to it. And even if you have experience riding in the wind, you know the wind is always stronger than you and your bike.

It’s important to take certain safety precautions when riding in these conditions so an unexpected blast of air doesn’t cause a motorcycle collision. Here are 10 tips for riding a motorcycle in high winds:

1. Pay attention to swaying trees and other signs that warn you you’re entering a high-wind area. Preparing yourself will help you stay calmer when there are gusts of wind and you’ll be able to react more efficiently.
2. Pay attention to which direction the wind is blowing and then lean slightly in that direction to help you maintain your position.
3. Expect wind gusts when there are gaps in traffic. For instance, if you’re riding in line with large trucks, they will act as barriers to the wind. But the moment there is a gap or opening, you need to be ready for a gust of wind.
4. Keep the motorcycle on the side of the lane that the wind is coming from, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). This is so you’ll be ready to react in case a big blast of air tries to force you off the road.
5. Wind makes it tough to maintain control when you’re passing or being passed by other motorists. The motorcycle lawyers at MotorEagles® remind you not to get too close to other vehicles to help you avoid a motorcycle accident. Keep in mind that when you’re getting ready to pass, the wind can pull you in uncontrollably and push you into another vehicle or worse yet, completely off the road.
6. Keep your arms relaxed. If your arms are locked and you make a sudden movement of your upper body, your motorcycle will also move. Being relaxed will help you respond to hazards quickly and safely.
7. If you have experience riding in the wind you know how difficult it can be to accelerate, so don’t stop giving your motorcycle gas because you may lose the power you need to fight heavy winds.
8. Cold temperatures often feel much colder depending on the speed of the wind (wind chill). Wear tight-fitting, wind-proof riding gear, such as leather, to protect against the wind-chill effect. Loose-fitting clothing won’t keep you warm. It will also flap around in the wind and distract you from the road. It’s also a good idea to wear a full-face motorcycle helmet with a covering for your head and neck to add extra warmth. The motorcycle accident attorneys at MotorEagles® also recommend a balaclava.
9. Stay as low as possible so you don’t take as much of a beating from the wind. This will also help you maintain better control of your bike. You can even add a windshield to your bike to help block the wind.
10. Know your limits. If you can’t control your motorcycle, pull over to some place safe and wait for the weather conditions to pass.

Riding a motorcycle when it’s windy can be dangerous because motorcycles are more vulnerable to strong winds than passenger vehicles. One unexpected gust of wind is all it takes to cause a motorcycle collision, which is why the motorcycle lawyers at MotorEagles® encourage you to take the necessary motorcycle safety precautions on a windy day. When in doubt, keep your bike at home.

Strong winds can create problems for even the most experienced motorcycle riders, so it’s also a good idea to enroll in a certified motorcycle safety course. A safety course can give you the training you need to feel comfortable riding in the wind and help you avoid a motorcycle accident.

Share your motorcycle safety tips and stories with motorcycle accident attorneys at MotorEagles® by commenting here on our blog, Facebook or Twitter. Do you have experience riding in heavy winds? How do you stay safe riding in these conditions?

Around the Web:

USA Today: Weather extremes

DMV: Motorcycles and Weather Conditions

Tags: motorcycle accident, motorcycle accident attorneys, motorcycle lawyers, motorcycle safery, Motorcycle safety tips, MotorEagles, riding tips, strong winds, wind

This entry was posted on Monday, October 31st, 2011 at 11:47 am and is filed under Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.