If you’ve been riding a motorcycle for long, then you already know how important your safety equipment is. Unlike drivers of cars, who are protected in steel cages by automatic airbags and seatbelts, the only thing separating a motorcyclist from the pavement below is their bike.
Because of the increased danger that is inherent in motorcycle riding, it’s essential for bikers to wear the appropriate safety gear. Failing to do so can mean the difference between life and death.
Colorado riders have access to plenty of motorcycle safety gear designed for added protection. But no matter how careful you are, a crash can still happen. As a Denver motorcycle accident law firm, we recommend these four essential pieces of gear that every rider should wear to help reduce injury in the event of an accident.
1. Helmet
Although motorcycle riders in Colorado who are over the age of 18 are not required to wear a protective helmet while operating a bike, it is well-proven that helmets save lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observed that helmets saved the lives of over 1,800 motorcyclists in 2008, and 823 more deaths could have been prevented had the riders been wearing protective head gear.
A good quality motorcycle helmet is composed of four critical safety features that shield your head from damage in the event of an accident:
- A carbon fiber or Kevlar hard outer shell to resist and absorb shock
- An inner liner which collapses upon impact to absorb further shock to the head
- A fitted foam liner that moulds to the rider’s head
- A chin strap to secure the helmet to the head in the event of a collision
2. Face Shield
Face shields are not only useful for preventing pesky bugs from flying into your mouth and eyes, they also provide valuable protection against road debris, the elements, and other objects that can potentially blind or handicap you while riding.
Some helmets come with a face shield already attached, while others require one to be added on. When looking for a face shield, choose one that:
- Is impact resistant, for protection against rocks or upon a collision
- Is scratch resistant, since scratches can reflect light and impair vision
- Secures to your helmet by fastening on both sides
3. Motorcycle Gloves
Motorcycle gloves aren’t just for style or guarding against blisters. They also protect your hands from the elements and road debris, as well as prevent injury or abrasions should an accident occur.
When picking out a pair of motorcycle gloves, look for ones that fit snugly, without getting in the way of driving, and preferably made out of a durable material like leather (however, any insulating, waterproof fabric will do).
4. Motorcycle Boots
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to protect your feet and ankles when driving a motorcycle. Without adequate safety boots, your feet and legs are exposed to a number of dangers—the motorcycle’s hot exhaust pipes, flying debris, pavement, etc.
Make sure you choose a pair of motorcycle boots that:
- Are made of oil-resistant material
- Have slip-free rubber-based composite soles for grip on bike pegs and pavement
- Cover the ankles from debris, pipe burns, spills, and bike crashes
Find out more about motorcycle safety and your legal options after a crash by speaking with the Denver personal injury attorneys at Babcock Tucker today.
