Few things compare to riding a motorcycle along a beautiful country road. It’s an opportunity for motorcyclists to kick back and enjoy a day of riding, perhaps with some good friends and a couple of fun stops along the way. Unfortunately, some trips don’t go as planned and may be shortened by a car accident.
Unfortunately, many motorcyclists’ lives are put at risk by negligent drivers. Sometimes there’s nothing you can do to avoid the accident; however, some measures can be taken to reduce the collision’s potential harm.
Although riding equipment can be expensive to purchase, it does work to protect you from injury and potentially death in the event of a collision. Consider wearing the following pieces of equipment the next time that you ride:
1. Jacket Recommendations
If you don’t already own a motorcycle jacket, it’s advised that you purchase one. A motorcycle jacket can protect you from natural elements, as well as reduce the severity of some injuries. Well-made motorcycle jackets have padding and are made of special materials that can withstand extreme conditions.
Many motorcyclists are thrown from their bikes when hit by other cars. Without the protection that a car offers, motorcyclists are likely to be thrown from their bikes and skid across the road. Even at low speeds, the friction created when you skid on the pavement can lead to severe burns.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation2. Do Glasses Count As Eye Protection?
When it comes to motorcycle riding, safety should always come first. Being fully aware of your surroundings and having a clear view of the road in front of you are two fundamental requirements for riding safely.
Because of how glasses feel when wearing a helmet, many people are unsure if it’s safe to wear them when riding a motorcycle. You can ride a motorbike while wearing glasses, so long as the road is entirely viable to you and they fit comfortably while wearing a helmet.
Every day, millions of motorcycle riders who wear glasses travel the roads. Since a large portion of the world’s population needs glasses to see, those who must wear them and desire to ride a motorcycle are not treated differently.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation3. Suit Recommendations
You should put safety before anything else when it comes to determining what kind of riding suit you should get. For example, if you intend to race your motorcycle, you will need a different suit than if you intend on riding your motorcycle in the street.
One benefit of wearing a one-piece suit is that it offers gapless protection. When tested, a continuous piece of leather will ultimately be much more durable than a separated set of protective layers. This is mostly for high-speed bikes and racing, but it’s always better to protect yourself now than suffer the consequences later.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
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Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation4. Helmet Recommendations
The importance of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle cannot be understated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 2002 and 2017, more than 25,000 motorcyclists’ lives were saved because they were wearing a helmet.
Wearing a helmet may not be your style, but aside from how they look, they’re effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders. Additionally, most states have enacted laws requiring that you wear a helmet. According to a 2012 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), “laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proven to be effective in reducing motorcyclist fatalities.”
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation5. Over The Ankle Motorcycle Boots
A proper pair of motorcycle boots are made to protect your feet and legs. Motorcycle boots should function as a form of armor that defends you from injury. Ideally, the boot will also be lightweight, ventilated, and customized to your foot.
A big factor in determining what the right type of riding boot is for you is the type of riding you will be doing. If you intend to ride off-road, you should consider wearing a larger boot that covers your shin and calf section. Whereas a city rider might be just as safe with a shorter-cut boot.
6. Pants Recommendations
Pants should always be worn when riding as they protect your legs from the pavement. Some riders choose to wear retail blue jeans thinking they will stand up to sliding across the road. By comparison, pants specifically manufactured for motorcycle riding are far safer than blue jeans.
For many older riders, blue jeans were part of their look. In recent decades, nice riding jeans have become safe and stylish. Some styles certainly look like they’re intended for riding, but others can look indistinguishable between protective pants and regular, and still offer the protection you need in case of an accident.
7. Protective Footwear
The best motorcycle boots, from the viewpoint of one rider, may not be the same for another. Some riders are looking for casual boots that won’t appear out of place in an office setting. Some riders are looking for close-fitting, high-performance sports boots.
Some boots have more safety features than others, but you don’t need to hunt for boots made specifically for riding a motorcycle. Strong hiking boots are just as good, provided they have ankle protection and are snugly fitted to your feet. If you want a pair of boots made exclusively for riding a motorcycle, choose an armored ankle boot with insulation.
8. Joint Armor
Motorcycle body armor is one type of motorcycle safety equipment that’s sometimes overlooked, and little talked about. The most common type of body armor for motorcycle safety gear is high-density foam combined with carbon fiber or Kevlar composite abrasion panels.
All major and minor joints with the greatest potential for harm during an accident will receive impact and abrasion protection from body armor. Body armor may not match a professional outfit, but it does an excellent job of diverting the force of a hard impact away from bones and soft tissue.
9. Leather Gloves
Motorcycle gloves are both one of the most essential pieces of equipment and also one of the most frequently disregarded. Riding gloves play a crucial role in protecting your hands while riding in addition to serving the key purpose of providing you with a grip on the handles of your motorcycle.
Gloves used to be far more popular in the days before power steering when drivers needed a strong grip to pull the wheel. Having a strong grip on the handles of your bike is key to remaining stable and on course. Gloves improve grip thereby improving stability.
10. Torso Gear
Torso gear is designed to absorb the power of a blunt hit and shield your chest from bending. While armor that’s shaped to resemble sculpted abs could be fantastic, what you want is a sturdy shell with plenty of underneath cushioning to absorb an impact.
At one end of the range, the quality of the product is low. On the other end, there’s torso gear made of high-tech composite material. Either way, something is better than nothing; just make sure your chest protector has two features: a robust shell to disperse force and cushioning to absorb it.
Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With A Zinda Law Group Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcyclists are at a clear disadvantage when it comes to safety on the roadway. Without any protection from the drivers around them, motorcyclists are defenseless. Accordingly, it’s important to have proper motorcycle gear in case of an accident.
Having on the right safety gear can reduce the severity of your injuries and improve your chances of compensation if you file a personal injury claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312. We offer a no-obligation free consultation, and a “No Win, No Fee Guarantee” which means that you will pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your case.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
