Tiger Tales 17: Protective Riding Gear
By the Law Tigers
America’s Injury Lawyers Who Ride
Protective Riding Gear
High-quality, complete motorcycle riding gear is not just for the racetrack. Wearing protective gear on the street separates the safety conscious riders from the amateurs, and could ultimately save your life.
Wearing appropriate safety gear can also help prevent crashes by keeping you comfortable, alert, and focused on the road. Conditions such as poor weather, blinding sun, darkness and heavy traffic can make motorcycling very risky. The right gear will protect you from the elements and make you more visible to other drivers.
Top quality riding gear can be expensive, but there’s plenty of good equipment that’s available at very reasonable price points. It’s best to invest up front in your safety and well-being. The extra money that you spend on higher quality gear will cost you far less than the medical expenses and other losses that result from being inadequately protected.
Protect Your Eyes
Face Shield, Safety Glasses or Goggles = $20 – $200
A clear view of your environment is critical to safe riding. Many hazards, including wind, rain, insects, and blowing sand and dirt, can impair your vision and increase your risk of crashing. Select protective eyewear that is clear or has a yellow tint. Other tints can impair night vision. Before every ride, eyewear should be cleaned with soap, water, and a cloth or sponge. Avoid products such as paper towels, tissues, and napkins, which can scratch plastic lenses. Your eyes are your best source of information.
Protect Your Head
Helmet = $80 – $700
Your safety depends on making good decisions. Protecting your head with a DOT, Snell certified helmet is one such example. Wearing a helmet will help ensure that you enjoy a lifetime of riding.
There are two general types of helmets: full coverage and partial coverage. A full-coverage helmet will protect your entire face. If you enjoy the wind on your face, you may prefer a partial-coverage helmet.
If previous helmets have been uncomfortable, you probably have not worn one that fits properly. Helmets that fit correctly are comfortable and will not distract you from the road or riding. It is important to find a helmet brand and size that is comfortable and fits snugly. Visit a local retailer that sells a variety of makes and models from which to choose, and ask a qualified professional to assist you. If you purchase a helmet that is too large, it will move around on your head and may not protect you upon impact. On the other hand, if it’s too small, you will experience much discomfort. Find a colorful helmet that makes you more visible while on the road. A white helmet has been proven to be the most visible color and is more easily seen peripherally. The public also perceives a white helmet to be worn by motorcycle police officers resulting in motorists driving more cautiously in the vicinity of the motorcycle.
Although helmets can be a substantial financial investment, it’s not advisable to be overly frugal or nostalgic. Helmets should be replaced every three to five years or when an impact occurs, regardless of the severity. If a helmet is dropped or involved in a crash, it should be replaced prior to riding the motorcycle. It’s impossible to determine the extent to which the structural integrity has been damaged or compromised.
Protect Your Body
Riding Suit/Leather Gear = $250 – $1,000
Wearing a motorcycle jacket or full riding suit significantly reduces the risk of being injured and the severity of any injuries. Appropriate protection insulates you from heat, cold, rain, and flying debris. The result is increased comfort and concentration while riding, which reduces the likelihood of getting into an accident.
Body protection is available in one-piece suits or in jacket and pants combinations. Look for protective gear that has padded or reinforced impact areas in the elbows, knees, shoulders, hips, and back. Leather riding suits provide the best protection in a crash. Although expensive, leather can withstand substantial wear before requiring repair or replacement. To avoid ruining leather or to prevent it from becoming waterlogged, it is advisable to pack a plastic poncho or plastic overalls as rain gear. Gear made from synthetic materials, such as durable plastic and nylon fabrics, provide all-weather protection, but may need to be repaired or replaced after one crash.
It is critical for motorcyclists to be highly visible. Wearing high-quality brightly colored protective gear improves your chances of being seen by other motorists.
Protect Your Hands and Feet
Gloves and Boots = $50 – $700
Hand and foot injuries are common in motorcycle crashes. A rider’s hands are often the first body part to make contact with the ground. Instinct causes us to put out our hands to help break our fall. In a motorcycle crash, foot, ankle, and leg injuries are often caused by the motorcycle. Hundreds of pounds can instantly be thrust upon appendages that aren’t designed to withstand this force.
It’s important to wear heavy-duty gloves that fasten securely around the wrists, and reinforced motorcycle boots that protect your toes, ankles, and shins. Padded gloves that protect your hands and help you maintain a good grip on the controls is vital. Your boots should be snug, provide good support and be free of dangling laces.
Quality protective gear is a sound investment that is well worth every penny you spend. Wearing protective gear will likely reduce the severity of injuries in a crash, make you comfortable and visible, and therefore allow you to ride safely for longer periods of time.
