The Beginners Guide To Motorcycle Safety Gear

While riding a motorcycle is often described as an incredibly freeing and empowering experience, motorcycles provide absolutely no protection. Unlike cars that shield drivers from a substantial amount of impact during an accident with airbags, safety belts, and other safety features, motorcycle riders are completely exposed to physical harm in the event of a collision.

As a result, while car accidents can be devastating, motorcycle accident victims are at a heightened increased risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken limbs, amputated limbs, internal bleeding, organ damage, and various other kinds of severe physical injuries.

Even though you can reach out to experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Tucson to help you recover financial losses should you experience an accident, you must take various vital measures to boost your safety on the roads.

So, investing in the following motorcycle safety gear is crucial.

A High-Quality Helmet

In some countries, it’s illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, but in other countries, it’s perfectly legal to travel on a bike without one. Considering that a high-quality helmet acts as a second, stronger skull to prevent the severity of potential head injuries, it makes sense why you should invest in one regardless of the laws.

Top-quality motorcycle helmets are made from a thin, durable outer layer and a protective, comfortable inner layer that absorbs shock upon impact. While helmets are effective in preventing severe head injuries, it’s essential to know that you must replace your helmet immediately after any accident or drop that will compromise the strength of the outer layer. With this, if a helmet has been dropped, even the tiniest crack that’s impossible to see will act as a weak spot in the event of an accident.

Moreover, never remove your helmet after an accident. Your helmet will provide essential support if you have sustained any head injury or fracture. As a result, removing your helmet could worsen any physical injuries. Instead, loosen the neck strap and wait for medical assistance.

Leather Or Kevlar Jacket

Your head is not the only concern when riding a motorcycle; your skin and bones are also exposed to injury during an accident. A protective jacket is the best way to prevent severe skin burns that contact with road gravel would cause. Motorcycle jackets might not be able to protect you against bone breaks and fractures. Still, it will safeguard your skin from disfiguring scarring that would otherwise be a concern even in minor motorcycle accidents and falls.

Protective Motorcycle Gloves

Motorcycle gloves offer the same protection as a protective jacket. In an accident, you will instinctively use your hands to try and break your fall, but this means you could lose your fingers and grate off the meaty part of your palm if they aren’t protected.

Leather or Kevlar motorcycle gloves are a small investment in your safety on the roads. These gloves usually also have fiberglass reinforcement at the knuckles, palms, and joints of the hand to provide additional protection. So avoid regular leather gloves and invest in protective gloves created specifically for motorcycle riders.

Motorcycle Boots

High-quality motorcycle boots are another staple safety essential. But the right boots serve more than one purpose; because motorcycles are pretty heavy, a sturdy pair of high-quality boots support your weight on uneven and slippery surfaces. Boots with non-slip, oil-resistant soles and enough ankle support make it easier to ride and balance a motorcycle.

At the same time, motorcycle boots provide protection from impact shock and substantial protection from skin burns associated with falls and sliding on road gravel. Basically, motorcycle boots aim to ensure you can walk away from an accident by minimizing foot and ankle injuries.

Protective Pants

Motorcycle pants are made from high-quality leather or kevlar, and they are also reinforced with fiberglass or another protective material at the knees. Protective pants are less popular than other items on this list, although they are no less essential to your overall safety as a motorcycle rider.

You can also consider protective one-pieces that merge your jacket and pants into one piece of clothing. These are not really convenient enough for everyday riding gear, but this protective wear is perfect for long distances as they provide optimal protection in the event of a fall or accident.

Accident Alert System

Loved ones of motorcycle riders often fear the instance of their loved one lying unconscious on an isolated road while everyone else is unaware. In these situations, motorcycle riders need to implement measures to alert emergency services and their loved ones the moment an accident occurs. But calling or texting is not always a plausible solution as riders could be unconscious.

Accident alert systems like the GeoRide app are easy-to-install and use systems that analyze a motorcycle in real-time to identify an accident as it happens. These apps automatically alert relevant parties to ensure riders have access to life-saving medical care in the critical moments following an accident.

Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, And Disability Insurance

While you will need auto insurance to prepare for any financial costs associated with motorcycle repairs, life insurance is essential for everyone. At the same time, disability insurance is even more critical for motorcycle riders as this policy will kick in if you sustain injuries that lead to short or long-term disability.

Insurance should be considered an essential safety measure when considering how the impacts of an accident can upset financial stability. Even if you can walk away from an accident with minor injuries, the cost of repairing your motorcycle, covering medical bills, and other damages could cripple your finances.

Motorcycle accidents are often severe, life-changing events that lead to catastrophic injuries. But by implementing various safety precautions like practicing safe driving habits and wearing essential safety gear, you can effectively minimize your chances of being involved in an accident. That said, if you have been involved in a collision, reach out to an experienced injury lawyer to claim fair compensation that covers repairs, medical expenses, lost income, and other costs that stem from the incident.