Effective Motorcycle Safety Gear

The number of motorcyclists on American roads has reached record levels. While motorcycling has many benefits, it can potentially put riders at a higher risk serious personal injuries. Read on to explore some of the risks associated with motorcycle riding and the types of gear riders should consider to keep safe on dangerous roads.

Statistics on Motorcycle Riding

Motorcycles can potentially be less visible than other vehicles on the road. On top of that, they tend to expose motorcyclists to more roadway hazards because the rider is not surrounded by an automobile body, putting motorcyclists at higher risk of injury or death in case of a collision with an object or vehicle. According to the NHTSA in 2013 motorcyclist fatalities occurred 26 times more often than passenger car occupant fatalities in traffic crashes for every mile traveled. In 2013, 4,668 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes, with approximately 88,000 motorcyclists being injured that year. Motorcyclists can protect themselves, and potentially reduce the risk of serious injury or death, by wearing motorcycle protective equipment when they ride.

Types of Motorcycle Protective Gear

Some motorcycle protective gear works better than others. For this reason, motorcyclists should do their own research to ensure that the gear and clothing they chose complies with applicable laws, and would serve the desired purpose.

Helmet

Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear helmets in New York. It is not only the law, but it can be a matter of life and death. Under the Vehicle and Traffic Law, it is “unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless he wears a protective helmet of a type which meets the requirements set forth in section 571.218 of the federal motor vehicle safety standards.”

Gloves

It's normal for humans to support themselves using their hands when falling, which is also the case during motorcycle accidents. A good pair of gloves will not only improve grip strength on the handlebars, but also reduce the risk of serious hand injury in the event of a fall or other Quality gloves are comfortable and can withstand the effects of use for many years without losing functionality.

Jackets

Motorcycle jackets can protect riders from harsh weather conditions and reduce the severity of injury after a motorcycle accident. Motorcycle jackets can be assigned different safety ratings based on their features, so consumers will want to research available features, including impact protectors.

Boots

Motorcycle boots can help protect the feet and ankles while riding and during a motorcycle accident. Proper footwear is also necessary to combat harsh weather conditions on the road.

Eye Protection

New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 381(7) provides that any person operating a motorcycle must wear approved goggles or a face shield. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, all motorcycle operators have to wear approved eye protection, even if the motorcycle has a windshield. Such eye protection must conform with American National Standard Institute

Motorcycle Safety Requirements

One way motorcyclists can reduce the risk of serious motorcycle injuries is to wear motorcycle riding protective gear. However, this gear cannot guarantee safety from harm during an accident. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident and are looking for a lawyer, we can help you obtain maximum compensation based on the unique circumstances of your case. Contact our lawyers for more information.