The highs have barely reached into the twenties for the past few days. Despite the low temperatures, people still ride mopeds throughout Terre Haute and the surrounding areas. Winter driving requires special safety strategies. This is even more true for people riding mopeds and motorcycles My Wabash Valley reported a moped accident occurred over the weekend. The accident was caused by broken tail lights, but winter motorcycle and moped driving require different strategies.
Many people do not to use two-wheeled vehicles during the Winter. Snow, ice and other weather hazards make two-wheeled vehicles more difficult to control. Hypothermia and frostbite make the vehicles even more dangerous than cars and trucks. Cars and trucks have a protected cab, unlike mopeds and motorcycles. Riders are always exposed to the elements on two-wheeled vehicles.
Proper clothing is the key to staying warm on a scooter or moped during the winter. Riders need to do more than just bundle up to keep warm. Proper clothing strategy requires blocking the wind. Heated suits that run off of the motorcycle's battery are available, but they are expensive. Scarves and goggles are a must for cold-weather trips.
One of the greatest dangers faced by motorcycles and moped is black ice. Even cars suffer from this problem. Black ice refers to frozen patches of road that cannot be seen. When car and trucks hit a pack of black ice, they skid. Two-wheeled vehicles also skid, but it is more likely to result in the rider being thrown from the car.
Riders need to slow down. They should avoid driving in the snow or the sleet. If public transportation is available, it makes sense to take it instead. If the rider can postpone the trip, he should do so.
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