Riding a bike is an exhilarating experience – the speed and power of motorcycles as well as the freedom of moving while on it has convinced many people to use it for leisure as well as their main mode of transportation.
But while riding a motorcycle can be pleasurable and cost-efficient, not to mention, easier to navigate around traffic, bikes can also be dangerous. Compared to a car, a motorcycle provides practically little protection to its riders especially in a bike accident. Unlike cars, it has no door beams or a roof, no cushioning or airbags and seatbelts so it a motorcyclist crashes from his bike, there is nothing that can protect him from the impact of a crash or from the unyielding hardness of the ground.
There is however, a way for motorcyclists to minimize or avoid injuries in case of bike accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in a motorcycle accident, most injuries are sustained on the rider’s head, arms, and legs. This is why wearing protective clothing and equipment is of paramount importance to motorcycle safety and not just for the sake of comfort and protection against elements when out riding a bike. Here is a rundown of the essential motorcycle gear you need to wear in order to avoid serious or fatal injuries in a bike accident:
• Helmet – Although most states have a law obligating motorcyclists and their passengers to wear helmets, this is the most important safety gear when riding a motorcycle. It is estimated that motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of crash fatality by 37 percent as they are designed to cushion and protect the riders’ heads from the impact of a crash.
• Jackets and pants – Clothes, especially those which are made of durable material like leather, can provide some measure of protection in case of a crash. It can protect the skin of rider’s against abrasions so as much as possible, both jackets, shirts, and trousers should cover the skin completely.
• Goggles, Glasses, Face Shields – Given that most riders have to wear a helmet, many underestimate the importance of wearing eye protection. Moving at a high rate of speed can cause your eyes to tear and blur which can impair your driving. So goggles, glasses, and face shields are recommended for safe riding.
• Gloves – While gloves can be used to protect the rider’s hands from injuries or burns, there are also non-slip types that can help keep the rider have a firm grip on the controls.
• Footwear – Leather boots are recommended when riding a bike because it can protect the rider’s feet, ankles, and lower parts of the leg during a crash. Anything that has dangling laces should be avoided as these may get caught in the wheel.
It is important that you have the above-mentioned gear and that you use it when you ride your bike because you’ll never know when you’ll get into a motorcycle accident. In the event that despite all your precautions: from driving responsibly to wearing proper protective gear, you were still injured, do not hesitate to get in touch with a Los Angeles bike accident lawyer and file a claim.
