Winter Motorcycle Safety Tips for Kentucky

Dress appropriately. You can ride all year as long as you have the right gear. Outfit yourself with wind-resistant and warm layers and set yourself up with a good base layer of synthetic materials to provide insulation when wet. Just as your body needs layers, don't forget about your hands, fingers and feet as well. If you're exploring the mountains, you'll want a warm motorcycle jacket. Although there may not be snow where you are in Kentucky, it can be rainy year-round. Quality motorcycle rain gear can help you be prepared for storms or wet weather. And speaking of rain, make sure you're wearing waterproof boots, or you'll get cold quickly. 

Wear a helmet. A helmet is the most important protective gear you can wear while riding a motorcycle. Ensure your full-face helmet has excellent antifogging features and a neck guard to seal yourself in during cold weather. 

Check your lights. The days are shorter, so plan ahead. At nighttime, it's important for your headlight bulbs, brake lights and turn signals to be working correctly. Always reduce your speed as necessary. 

Drive slowly. Wet pavement can be a dangerous obstacle on the open road. Remember that metal road coverings and tar snakes are especially hazardous when wet, so find a way around them or ride at a low speed in a straight line. Sand and salt can be another on-road hazard if the area you're riding in has icy patches. 

Watch out for deer. Autumn is deer mating and migration season, so you'll likely see more while riding. Peak deer mating activity usually occurs in mid-November in Kentucky. Be extra cautious for deer around dusk and nighttime. 

Be cautious and alert. As the season changes, other drivers may not expect to see bikes on the road. That means it's even more important to make yourself as noticeable as possible and do not assume that other drivers see you on the road.