Motorcyclists enjoy a sense of freedom on the road that is different from driving in a car. While many of the aspects of riding a motorcycle make them more enjoyable to some, it also raises new risks that bikers need to know about. They don’t have the body of a car to protect them from the elements or in the event of a crash. The best way to protect themselves is with the correct gear.
What Kind of Motorcycle Gear Do You Need?
It’s important to know what kind of gear you’ll need as a biker. A motorcycle rider needs to have the right protective gear for the weather, seasons, and time of day. This way, you won’t experience discomfort while riding or clothing that creates distractions which could cause you to lose control of your bike.
The most important protective gear you have is your helmet. These can be the difference between walking away from an accident or sustaining a terrible life-changing injury. It may even be what saves your life in a collision. Your helmet must meet the standards of the United States Department of Transportation. The DOT sticker on the helmet will show this. The helmet must also have labels that has the following information: the name of the manufacturer, the helmet model designation, size, and the date it was manufactured. You also have to have something to protect your eyes from wind, debris, and bugs. Shatter-proof eyewear is recommended.
You should always check ahead of time to see what the weather will be like when you’re going to be using your motorcycle. If possible, you may choose not to take your bike out because of inclement weather. However, sometimes you may get caught in poor weather and you’ll want to be prepared for that situation.
Every motorcyclist should have waterproof gear. You don’t want to get soaked while you’re riding. In chillier weather, you should also get clothing that you can layer. Make sure the base layer helps wick away moisture to keep you dry and warm. Also wear gloves to protect your hands from the elements as well.
It’s also vital for you to wear reflective clothing. Motorists have trouble seeing motorcyclists in broad daylight because they’re a smaller object. Drivers are also most likely looking for other cars—not bikes. This problem is made worse at night when visibility is low. Bright and reflective clothing will help others see you on the road. You may even want to consider putting reflective decals or tape on your bike.
One item you may not think about is your footwear. Motorcyclists’ feet will on occasion touch the ground. If you’re in flimsy shoes, the shoes can rip and expose your feet. You need sturdy boots that will be able to make contact until you correct yourself. In a collision, it’s likely that the motorcyclist will lose their balance, which can result in the bike falling on top of them. Boots that protect your ankles could prevent them from absorbing the full impact of the bike.
Once you have your gear, you can ride knowing that you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself safe. You’re not taking any unnecessary risks or making any reckless decisions that could have terrible consequences if you’re involved in an accident.
Get in Touch with Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco
No matter how many safety tips you follow, a negligent driver can still harm you in an auto vs. motorcycle accident. They need to be held accountable for their actions and you deserve to get a fair settlement so you can move forward with your recovery.
Give our office a call today so we can schedule an initial consultation. We’ll go over the details of your case and discuss your options on how to move forward. We’re here to help you.
