Proper motorcycle protective gear is essential for your safety and everyday riding experience.
Riding a motorcycle is relatively dangerous—it makes riders vulnerable to injuries in an accident and the elements. Biking without the proper safety increases your vulnerability to injuries and weather hazards; cold, wind, heat, rain, and more.
Motorcycle accidents remain one of the major causes of injuries and fatalities on U.S. national highways. According to NHTSA – the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, there were 5,014 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes. Motorcycles are less visible to other road users and less stable than closed, four-wheeled vehicles. According to NHTSA, the chances of a fatality in a motorcycle crash are about thirty times higher than in a car, accounting for a whopping 80% death rate compared to the 20% of car accidents.
The right safety gear protects you from potential injuries, enhances your performance, and protects you from elements.
As a motorcyclist, whether you are riding a chopper, cafe racer, dirt bike, cruiser or street bike, you should have proper protection. You should consider wearing a helmet, proper clothing, ankle footwear, protective gloves, and eye protection.
A motorcycle helmet is effective in preventing head injuries. Wearing a helmet can help reduce the impact of a force on the head, protecting you from severe forms of traumatic head and brain injury or even death. Reports from NHTSA show that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 riders in 2017. According to the same reports, an extra 749 lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists had used helmets.
Motorcycle helmets come in various designs and styles, including dual sport, full face, half shell, and open face. However, an effective helmet should include high-quality straps and a firm inner lining that creates an effective barrier to impact. Ensure you find the correct fit for you to ensure your face and head are adequately covered.
Motorcycle boots serve two primary purposes. Firstly, high-quality boots can protect your ankles should your motorcycle fall over you. They also help support the weight on unpredictable, slippery surfaces. Generally, there are different types of motorcycle boots, including SuperSport racing boots and military combat boots. Choose a good quality riding pair with non-slip and oil-resistant soles to ensure maximum protection to your feet and ankles should you get involved in a crash.
A motorcycle jacket is a crucial piece of gear you should own as a rider. These jackets come in various styles and offer varying degrees of protection and purpose. Ultimately, there are three major reasons to wear a motorcycle jacket.
First, it protects your upper body from unexpected impact in the event of an accident or fall. Most motorcycle jackets feature safety padding on the spine, elbows, and shoulders to prevent joint damages and fractures. They also protect you from friction burns and external hard materials.
Secondly, motorcycle jackets are designed to enhance your comfort level and protection while riding. They are available in either mesh or leather, and you can choose the material that best suits your needs.
Mesh jackets are ideal for the summer season, whereas leather jackets are preferred for winter riding. Experts recommend that you choose fluorescent or brightly colored material to improve your visibility on the road.
Your jacket should be comfortable and fit closely without any restrictions to your movement. It should also have appropriate ventilation and weatherproof features to make it ideal for all climates. Lastly, wearing a motorcycle jacket gives you a great sense of style that symbolizes your passion for biking.
Quality riding pants will protect you from painful experiences you can have in case of a crash or coming off your motorcycle. Like jackets, riding pants are essential for various reasons. They offer protection against your lower body, including knees, thighs, and lower legs.
Motorcycle riding pants are available in different materials, including textile and leather. When choosing riding pants, find a pair with protective armor in the knees, hips, and shins because these areas have a high risk of injuries during a crash. As with jackets, riding pants should fit you snuggly to allow your legs to move freely without restricting up mid-movement.
Different riding pants are designed for different riding needs. Therefore, you can choose a pair of riding pants that suit your usage. Select the most basic pair if you’re an occasional rider puttering around the city. But if you are a long-distance biker, you could go for the loaded pants with multiple pockets and zips to keep your items.
Gloves are one of the most overlooked safety gears by motorcyclists. However, it is advisable to wear quality gloves while riding, especially if you are doing a long ride. Wearing gloves is essential as they provide a safety aspect and prevent the formation of calluses on your fingers and hands.
Gloves will also protect you from weather conditions such as wind, rain, and sun, keeping you safe and comfortable. Another reason to wear riding gloves is that they reduce numbness and fatigue during long rides, giving you more control over your bike.
Suppose you did everything possible to protect yourself but were injured due to another person’s negligence on the road. In that case, we can provide the legal advice and support you need at The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III. Our attorneys understand that a motorcycle accident can be devastating and draining, and that’s why we strive to put up the best legal representation to ensure you get fair compensation for your motorcycle accident injuries. Contact us online for a free consultation.
