Protect Yourself

Motorcycle Accident Insurance Coverage And Safety Gear

Motorcycle Safety Gear

You’ve probably heard of the saying “Dress for the slide, not for the ride.” Here at Law Tigers, we fully support that line of thinking.  Even if you never plan to get hurt, you never know what will happen. The right motorcycle safety gear can protect you in the event of a fall by saving you from painful burns, cuts and other injuries.

Consider this fact:  You lose 1mm of skin for every 1mph you ride over 30mph if you make impact with a road surface. Now imagine falling off your bike going 60mph. You don’t have to be a math expert to figure out that you’d be in serious trouble if you weren’t wearing quality protective gear.

Wearing proper gear protects you, while also providing comfort in extreme weather conditions. It helps you stay dry when it’s rainy, warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot. Yes, good riding gear can be expensive, but your comfort and safety are priceless.

Helmet

The helmet is the most important component of your riding gear. Not wearing one when you ride is extremely dangerous, as well as wearing the wrong one. Here’s how to know your helmet is the right size: it fits comfortably around your head while also keeping it stabilized. If there is pinching or pressure points, it’s too small, and if it seems loose, it’s too large. If the helmet comfortably stays put, it’s a good fit. Keep in mind that just as every head is a different shape, so are helmets. Be patient when looking around as you will likely have to try on several before you find one that fits your head shape. Your helmet should have a decent ventilation system as well to prevent overheating in warm weather. We recommend you buy a helmet that is Snell certified, meaning the helmet has successfully passed anti-puncture strength testing in a one-time crash. These helmets will be the most durable and protective. Make sure to replace your helmet every 5 years, as they wear down and become less protective over time.

Glasses

If you don’t ride with a full-face helmet, your eyes are exposed to the sun and debris in the air. In addition to keeping dirt, dust, and bugs out of your eyes, wearing eye protection while riding is required by law in many states. We recommend that you have a pair for both day riding (tinted with UV protection) and night riding (clear). Many riders prefer glasses with foam around the rim because it keeps wind out of their eyes. It is also important that your glasses have comfortable straps, a good range of peripheral vision, and fit well underneath your helmet.

Jacket

Motorcycle jackets should fit snug to stay on if you slide off of your bike. However, they should not constrict movement. They should have extra protective padding and stronger seams on the upper back, shoulders, and elbows. Jackets with removable lining allow you to adjust the insulation properties depending on warm or cool weather. If you ride in a warm region, investing in a jacket with mesh panels allows constant ventilation which will cool you down significantly when the weather is hot.

Gloves

Our hands instinctively try to catch our falls, so protection is essential for taking the brunt in the event of an accident. The most sturdy and durable gloves are full grain leather, and have extra material around the palm and knuckles. They should also allow plenty of air flow to prevent sweat and ensure a tight grip. Like a good jacket, a good pair of gloves will be snug, but flexible enough for your fingers to move around with ease.  The longest lasting pairs have strong construction at the seams. Most importantly, make sure they tighten easily at the wrist and have a strong hold; you don’t want those moving and exposing your palm to asphalt.

Pants

Motorcycle pants are much stronger and sturdier than casual pants. Most are denim, Kevlar, ballistic nylon, or leather. All have different weights and maximum resistance against tear and abrasion. The heavier the material, the more protection provided. If you’re looking for textile, Cordura is a good option. Strong stitching and abrasion resistance play a critical role in protecting your legs from an impact with asphalt. Some motorcycle pants have additional riding-specific features, including weatherproof exterior, extra pockets, or reflective material.

Boots

Lastly, you will need a solid pair of boots for support, protection, and traction. Leather is the most popular material for boots, and for good reason; it holds up well to high winds, water, and snow. Make sure to invest in boots that have a Vibram sole, as rubber soles can melt in the heat and tend to break down easily. The bottom of the boot should have a decent tread to provide traction. Be sure that your motorcycle boots fit well, and are comfortable. There should be no pinching, and you should be able to step in and out of them with ease.

Now That You Know How To Properly Gear Up With The Most Protection, You Can Ride With Confidence. See You On The Road!

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© 2024 Law Tigers. All rights reserved. * Law Tigers is a national association of independent law firms in various states that represent motorcycle riders. This is a paid advertisement for a network (national association) of independent law firms in various states who are members of the American Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. Participating law firms pay a membership fee to be included in Law Tigers, in addition to advertising fees. Law Tigers does not endorse specific lawyers or function as a referral service. Law Tigers is a qualifying provider service in Florida. Calls to the Law Tigers phone number are automatically routed to the member lawyers admitted to practice law in the jurisdiction of the caller. Law Tigers is not affiliated with any government or nonprofit entity. No legal fees are shared with Law Tigers, members do not pay for leads, and Law Tigers does not and cannot establish an attorney/client relationship between any prospective client and member law firm. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. Past results are not guaranteed of future outcomes, every case is different. Each client may remain liable for costs, regardless of outcome.