Winter Riding Safety: How VOOM Riders Stay Safe When Temperatures Drop

By the VOOM Team

Here at VOOM, we know that for many riders, the motorcycle isn't just a fair-weather friend - it's year-round transportation. While some of our customers store their bikes when the first frost hits, plenty of you keep riding through winter, whether for your daily commute or just because you can't resist those crisp, clear winter days.

We've seen it all through our pay-per-mile policies: the commuters who rack up miles regardless of season, and the occasional winter warriors who venture out on surprisingly mild December afternoons. After insuring thousands of riders, we've learned a thing or two about what keeps winter riders safe. Here's what we want you to know.

The Reality Check: Winter Changes Everything

Last winter, one of our riders—let's call him Marcus—shared his story. He'd been riding for fifteen years, mostly through spring and summer. One November morning, running late for work, he hopped on his bike despite temperatures in the high 30s. "I figured it's just cold, right? I can handle cold," he told us later.

What Marcus didn't account for was black ice on a shaded overpass. His rear tire lost traction mid-turn at just 25 mph. Fortunately, he was wearing proper gear and walking away with only bruises and a damaged ego. His bike? Not so lucky.

Marcus's experience highlights the first rule of winter riding: respect the conditions. Winter doesn't just make riding uncomfortable—it fundamentally changes how your motorcycle behaves.

Before You Even Start the Engine

Check Your Tires Like Your Life Depends on It (Because It Does)

Sarah, another VOOM customer from Colorado, swears by her pre-ride tire ritual. Every morning before her 12-mile commute, she checks:

• Tire pressure (remember: cold air means lower pressure—typically 1-2 PSI drop for every 10°F)
• Tread depth using the penny test
• Any visible cracks or damage that cold weather might have worsened

"I check my pressure every single ride in winter," Sarah explains. "I keep a portable compressor in my garage. Takes two minutes, and it's saved me more than once."

Gear Up Properly - No Compromises

Jake rides year-round in Michigan, where winters aren't a suggestion—they're a mandate. His winter gear checklist:

• Heated grips and heated vest (plugs into his bike's power outlet)
• Winter-specific gloves with waterproof, insulated layers
• Balaclava under his helmet to prevent windchill on his face
• Waterproof outer layer over his riding jacket
• Thermal layers underneath everything

"The second you're cold, your reaction time suffers," Jake says. "I learned that the hard way when I couldn't feel my hands well enough to operate the clutch smoothly."

On the Road: Winter Riding Techniques That Work

Smooth is Fast, Jerky is Dangerous

Remember Marcus from earlier? After his close call, he took a winter riding course. The biggest lesson? "Smooth inputs."

In winter conditions:

• Throttle gradually: Sudden acceleration can break traction, especially on cold or damp pavement
• Brake earlier and gentler: Your stopping distance can double on cold roads. Start braking way before you normally would
• Turn slower: Cold tires have less grip. Reduce your cornering speed by at least 20-30%

"I pretend there's a cup of coffee on my tank," Marcus says now. "If my riding would spill it, I'm being too aggressive."

Watch for Ice Like a Hawk

Rachel, who rides in Vermont, has developed a sixth sense for dangerous spots:

• Bridges and overpasses: They freeze first because cold air passes underneath
• Shaded areas: That patch under the trees might be 10 degrees colder than the sunny road you just left
• Wet-looking pavement: If it looks wet but nearby puddles are frozen, it's probably ice
• Early morning and evening: Ice forms when temps drop, even if midday is warm

"I once saw a patch of road that looked wet at 7 AM," Rachel recalls. "Something felt off, so I slowed to almost a stop and put my foot down. It was a sheet of ice. Trust your instincts."

Increase Your Following Distance, Seriously

At VOOM, we analyze riding patterns through our app. Winter riders who avoid claims almost universally ride more conservatively. One key pattern? They maintain much larger following distances.

Think about it: If you need twice the stopping distance, you need twice the following distance. Simple math that saves lives.

Weather Conditions: When to Ride and When to Call an Uber

Temperature Matters More Than You Think

Below 32°F, assume ice can form anywhere there's moisture. Below 25°F, even experienced winter riders in our customer base tend to hang up their keys.

David, a VOOM customer who's been riding for 25 years, puts it simply: "I don't ride if it's below freezing unless the roads are completely dry, the sun is out, and I can avoid all shaded areas. It's just not worth it."

Rain + Cold = No-Go Zone

Cold rain (temperatures in the 30s-40s with precipitation) creates some of the most dangerous riding conditions possible. Road paint becomes ice-skating rinks. Metal surfaces like manhole covers turn into slip-and-slides. Your visibility drops.

"I used to be a hero about riding in anything," admits Tom, another longtime VOOM customer. "Then I low-sided on painted road lines in 40-degree rain. Now? If it's cold and wet, I'm taking the car."

The VOOM Advantage: Pay for Winter Miles, Not Winter Storage

Here's what we love about our pay-per-mile model: it actually aligns with smart winter riding.

If you ride less in winter (which is smart), you pay less. Unlike traditional policies where you pay the same premium whether you ride 100 miles or 1,000 miles per month, VOOM only charges you for the miles you actually ride.

Lisa, a VOOM customer from New Jersey, explains: "I ride about 800 miles a month in summer, but maybe 100-200 in winter. With my old insurance, I paid the same year-round. Now, my winter premiums are a fraction of what I pay in riding season. It just makes sense."

Real Talk: Sometimes the Smart Ride is No Ride

Look, we're a motorcycle insurance company. We want you to ride. But we want you to ride smart even more.

Every winter, we see a spike in claims during the first cold snap and the first snowmelt. Why? Riders who haven't adjusted their mindset to winter conditions, or riders who venture out during the most dangerous transitional weather.

The smartest VOOM customers know when to leave the bike in the garage:

• First freeze of the season (roads haven't been treated yet)
• Any time there's visible ice or snow
• When temperatures drop below freezing and precipitation is forecast
• Early morning rides when temps are near freezing
• During or immediately after winter storms

Your Winter Safety Checklist

Before every winter ride:

• Check tire pressure and tread
• Verify all lights work (visibility is crucial)
• Dress in layers with waterproof outer shell
• Check weather for your entire route, not just your location
• Tell someone your route and expected arrival time
• Bring a charged phone
• Plan your route to avoid shaded areas and bridges if possible
• Give yourself extra travel time to ride conservatively

The Bottom Line from Your VOOM Team

We've insured riders through every season and every scenario. The ones who stay safe in winter share common traits: they respect the conditions, they gear up properly, they ride smoothly, and they know when not to ride.

Winter riding isn't about being tough or proving something. It's about being smart, prepared, and honest with yourself about conditions.

So bundle up, take it slow, and remember - we're only charging you for the miles you ride. There's no shame in choosing four wheels over two when conditions warrant it.

Stay safe out there,
The VOOM Team

Ready to save on motorcycle insurance during the off-season? VOOM's pay-per-mile insurance means you only pay for the miles you ride. Download the app and get a quote in minutes.