Whether you’re riding your motorcycle to commute, for sport or just to get out on the open road, being safe should be your top priority. Riding a motorcycle can be very dangerous for a number of reasons. A rider doesn’t have the steel frame of a car protecting them, making them exposed to traffic, road hazards and other elements. Motorcyclists are also much harder to see than other vehicles and drivers that aren’t paying attention can cause serious accidents. Having the right safety equipment can help keep you safe and lessen or avoid any injuries if you’re in an accident. With so many options on different equipment, how do you know which products you should choose? Let’s take a look at how to pick the best motorcycle safety gear for you.
For motorcycle helmets, there are many varieties – full face helmets, ¾ helmets and ½ helmets. Each type of helmet offers varying protection, so you’ll want to choose one that fits your needs and style. Make sure that the helmet you choose fits snugly. It’s not going to give you proper protection if there’s a ton of extra room on the inside. There are many trusted brands of helmets on the market. You’ll want to look for one that’s approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and certified for the road. If you’re having trouble deciding which helmet to pick, check out reviews for the product you're considering or ask riding buddies for recommendations.
Jackets also come in a variety of styles with varying degrees of protection. There are many materials to choose from including leather and synthetics. Each jacket may have different features such as reinforced armor or slots for extra armor, varying degrees of breathability, internal/external pockets, etc. Many riders like to choose jackets that feature enhancements to make them more visible on the road, including reflective pieces and high visibility neon colors. Whatever jacket you choose, make sure it fits comfortably, isn’t too bulky and that it offers all the functionality and features you want in a riding jacket.
A lot of riders overlook pants and tend to just wear jeans. Having the right riding pants can bring your safety up a notch. Riding pants offer protection from the elements, provide ventilation and have armor that will protect the parts of your body that are most likely to contact the ground in the event of an accident. Motorcycle pants come in a variety of materials including Kevlar, leather, textile and denim. You’ll want to choose your riding pants based on your riding style. Make sure that the pants you choose fit comfortably in your normal riding position. The pants should cover the tops of your boots so that there’s no lapse in protection on your body. If the pants are too bulky, they can interfere with your riding, shifting and braking, so always try them on to find the perfect fit.
Riding in normal footwear can be very dangerous. Motorcycle boots are designed to protect your feet in the event of an accident. When choosing boots, make sure that they have proper ankle support since ankle injuries are common, especially if a bike falls on your leg. You’ll want to choose boots that have laces on the inside, so they don’t become entangled in any part of the motorcycle. Some boots may have Velcro or buckles. Having a shifter pad on the boot is important, so that the boots are protected from wear against the shift lever. Make sure your boots are waterproof because riding with soggy boots is no fun! Finally, make sure your riding boots are comfortable enough to wear all day, they need to fit properly with whatever socks you plan on wearing.
Motorcycle gloves offer more protection than most riders realize. Many riders will put their hands out to try to catch themselves if they fall from their bike and gloves will help protect them from road rash and other injuries. You’ll want to choose gloves that have protection for your fingers, knuckles, palm and the back of your hand. Waterproof gloves are always a good idea because it can be uncomfortable to ride with wet gloves for long periods of time. The gloves you choose should fit your hands comfortably but snugly. Gloves that are too large will make it harder for you to control your bike or your bike’s levers and switches. There are touring gloves, racing gloves and everything in between. You’ll want to make sure you get a pair suited to your riding style.
There are many other pieces of safety gear that are available to riders, but these pieces are essential. You may also want to look into extra body armor, ear protection, as well as eye protection if you’re helmetless or wearing an open face helmet. Make sure you’re doing all you can to stay safe on your motorcycle and do everything you can to stay seen as well.
Hupy and Abraham has been working to keep riders safe though the firm’s “Watch for Motorcycles” campaign. Our goal is to spread messages of motorcycle safety and awareness to riders and other drivers on the road. “Watch for Motorcycles” promotes motorcycle awareness to drivers through TV ads, billboards, stickers and at community events. Hupy and Abraham also provide tips and tricks for riders through articles and videos on HUPY.COM.
The firm promotes motorcycle safety, but sometimes the unthinkable happens and you may be in a motorcycle accident. If so, Hupy and Abraham is here for you. We’ve helped thousands of riders and received over $1 billion for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Hupy and Abraham right away at 800-800-5678 or visit HUPY.COM so we can start fighting for you.
