According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 83,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries in the United States in 2020 and 5,579 motorcyclists died in road accidents, so we felt the need to share these 4 Protective Items to Wear at All Times While Riding a Motorcycle with you today.
Therefore, it is imperative that you always wear the right protective gear to reduce your chances of suffering serious injuries, or even a fatality, should you come off your bike or be involved in an accident.
4 Protective Items to Wear at All Times While Riding a Motorcycle
1. A Motorcycle Helmet
Figures released by the NHTSA show just how important it is that you wear a helmet at all times when operating a motorcycle. The NHTSA estimates motorcycle helmets are 37% effective for preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% effective for passengers.
Furthermore, according to the Virginia DMV, a rider who does not wear a helmet is 40% more likely to suffer a head injury that is fatal compared to a rider who does not wear a helmet.
That is why helmets are compulsory for motorcycle riders in Virginia. Motorcyclists in the state must wear a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard-compliant helmet. However, helmets are not mandatory in every state in the U.S. For instance, they are not required in Illinois.
But even if your state does not require you to wear a helmet, you always should in order to prevent serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and fatal injuries.
2. A Leather (or Ballistic Nylon) Jacket and Pants
In certain situations, motorcyclists can often come off their bikes while riding, which can cause all kinds of injuries if you are not wearing protective clothing.
For instance, when your body slides across a road, you can experience a third-degree road rash. Thankfully, to prevent you from suffering road rash injuries, you can wear a leather jacket and pants that absorb some of, or most of, the friction that sliding across a road surface can cause.
If you are tempted to not wear a leather or ballistic nylon jacket and pants during the summer months because you fear you will be too hot and uncomfortable, you need to think again.
Preventing serious injuries and even fatalities is far more important than feeling the heat. By wearing a protective jacket and pants, you can save yourself from serious injuries and potential medical complications.
You might also want to consider wearing a reflective vest over your jacket in order to increase your visibility, which is important when you ride on roads at night or in dimly-lit conditions.
3. A Good Pair of Gloves
If you are thrown from your motorcycle, you will automatically put out your hands to try to break the fall. Therefore, it is very important that you always wear a good pair of protective gloves made from a material like leather.
Gloves can also protect your sensitive skin from road rash. They can prevent cuts, abrasions, and bruises from happening in crashes, too.
4. A Pair of Sturdy Boots
Foot and ankle injuries can be common in motorcyclists who do not wear protective gear and end up in accidents. You can be especially prone to foot and ankle fractures if you come off your bike.
So, always make sure you wear the right kind of boots to lessen your chances of being injured.
You need sturdy, over-the-ankle boots in order to get the most protection from potential lower-extremity injuries.
By wearing a good pair of motorcycle boots, you will also prevent being burned by hot exhaust pipes and being injured by flying road debris.
So, even if you are just taking a short trip to your local supermarket, make sure you wear protective boots.
Do not let potential injuries put you off riding a motorcycle, as there are many benefits of using a motorcycle in places like Orlando. But make sure that you always wear the right protective clothing.
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