There’s nothing quite like the thrill and freedom a motorcycle provides. However, all of that fun comes with the need to protect yourself. Without the proper safety gear, your likelihood of a serious or even fatal injury greatly increases. If you’re looking into what type of gear you should get, then this guide is here to help.
The Helmet
While there’s a lot of debate over whether or not motorcyclists should have to wear helmets by law, studies show that it is the number one piece of gear for preventing fatal injuries. You can choose between a full, three-fourths, or one-half helmet depending on the coverage you prefer.
When it comes to safety, however, a full helmet offers the most protection. NOLA motorcycle accident lawyers recommend the full helmet for the amount of coverage it provides, fully protecting your skull in the event of an accident.
The Jacket
Bike jackets not only look cool, but provide an extra layer of protection for your upper body and arms. You can choose from a wide variety of materials and styles that offer added cushioning to help dampen any impact. Various pieces of Kevlar, ballistic nylon, or carbon fiber take things one step further.
When choosing a jacket, make sure it isn’t too bulky. You don’t want the sleeves restricting your movement while riding. Even with the lightest of motorcycle jackets, you have plenty of protection when hitting the pavement.
The Pants
Most cyclists overlook pants and stick with jeans. Ask these Orange County attorneys at Easton & Easton how many cases they’ve worked on where jeans actually aided the rider in a crash. The answer is zero. Just like jackets, these pants offer armor and durable materials to help keep your legs intact during an accident.
The Boots
The boots you use are also an important part of your safety ensemble. They offer ankle protection, a firm grip, and increase your torsional stiffness to limit flexing. Injuries often occur when a rider’s foot is trapped underneath their bike, but the right pair of boots can prevent this unfortunate issue.
The Gloves
Finally, you should invest in a pair of riding gloves. It might not seem like it, but these small articles of clothing offer a ton of protection. When falling, most people put their hands out to catch themselves. Add in high speeds above pavement, and you can see how that might lead to a serious injury.
Like the rest of the clothing on this list, motorcycle gloves offer added protection thanks to the materials they’re made from. Some also include Kevlar or carbon fiber by the knuckles and wrist. You can even order models with touchscreen-capable fingers, ventilation for the summer, and extra padding for the winter.
Other Recommendations
There are a few other options available to you when it comes to safety. Some people skip the jacket in favor of full body armor. Those wearing a half helmet might want to wear a pair of goggles to protect their eyes. Elbow, shin, and knee guards are excellent choices if you’re wearing regular clothes. Finally, anything on this list pairs wonderfully with earplugs, which help keep your hearing intact.