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770-626-7895Riding a motorcycle offers an exhilarating sense of freedom and adventure. But as any rider in Athens, Georgia, knows that thrill comes with risks. Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries, which is why investing in high-quality protective gear for motorcycle riding is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Larrison Law Firm, we have seen how the right safety gear for motorcycle riders can mean the difference between walking away from a crash and facing life-altering consequences. This post will explore the essential pieces of motorcycle protective gear every rider should own.
The Importance of Proper Protection
Before getting to specific gear recommendations, let us take a moment to underscore why wearing protective equipment matters so much. When you are on a motorcycle, your body is exposed and vulnerable. In a collision, you do not have the protective shell of a car surrounding you. Impact on the road, other vehicles, or objects can be devastating.
However, by armoring yourself with the best motorcycle protective gear, you greatly improve your odds of minimizing injuries. Quality gear acts as a barrier between you and the many hazards you face on the road. It can protect you from road rash, lacerations, broken bones, and even more severe injuries. No matter how careful a rider you may be, accidents can happen to anyone at any time – which is why gearing up properly is a must.
Helmets
Let us start with the single most critical piece of safety gear for motorcycle riders: the helmet. Your head is your most vulnerable and important body part. In a crash, a helmet can quite literally save your life by absorbing impact and shielding your head from trauma.
When shopping for a motorcycle helmet, look for one that meets or exceeds DOT (Department of Transportation) safety standards. A full-face helmet offers the most protection, covering your entire head and face. It will also shield you from wind, bugs, and road debris while riding. If you prefer an open-face helmet, be sure to pair it with eye protection like goggles or a face shield.
Remember, not all helmets are created equal. Choose one that fits you snugly and comfortably. It should not be too loose or too tight. Always replace your helmet after any impact or if you notice signs of wear and tear. A damaged helmet will not provide adequate protection when you need it most.
Jackets and Pants
After a quality helmet, a riding jacket and pants are your next essential pieces of motorcycle protective gear. Road rash is no joke – skidding across pavement can quickly shred through ordinary clothes and skin. Abrasion-resistant riding gear acts as your body armor against painful road rash and cuts.
Motorcycle jackets come in a variety of materials such as leather, textile, and kevlar. Each has advantages, so consider your riding style and preferences. Look for jackets with built-in armor at key impact points like shoulders, elbows, and back.
Many jackets also offer removable liners for adaptable comfort in different weather conditions.
Riding pants should be constructed from similar abrasion-resistant materials. Jeans, no matter how thick, will not hold up against asphalt. Instead, opt for pants with reinforced seams and armor at the hips and knees. Some riders choose to wear armored pants on top of their regular pants for convenience and versatility.
Making informed gear choices now can spare you a world of pain later. At Larrison Law Firm in Athens, Georgia, we encourage all our clients who ride to never underestimate the importance of proper protective equipment.
Gloves and Boots
It is a natural instinct to extend your hands when falling. In a motorcycle accident, that means your hands are often the first point of impact. Abrasion-resistant gloves protect the fragile skin on your palms from road rash. They also improve your grip on the handlebars, especially in hot or rainy weather, which can make your hands slick.
Look for gloves that fit well without feeling restrictive. Gauntlet-style gloves extend the protection past your wrist, preventing gaps between the glove and your jacket sleeve. Some riders opt for hard-knuckle gloves for an added layer of defense.
Quality riding boots are equally important. Sturdy over-the-ankle boots protect your feet, ankles, and lower legs from injury.
Choose a pair with oil-resistant, textured soles to prevent slipping when stopping. Boots with reinforced toes, heels, and armor offer optimal coverage.
Always remember, as a rider, you are not just a passive passenger. You need your extremities in good working condition to safely operate your motorcycle. Investing in proper gloves and boots helps ensure you can maintain control of your bike and react swiftly to hazards on the road.
Additional Protective Accessories
Apart from these core pieces of protective gear, there are additional items worth considering for optimal safety:
- Armored underwear/shorts: Provides extra impact protection for hips, thighs, and tailbone. Especially beneficial for track or competitive riding.
- Neck brace: This helps prevent neck and spinal cord injuries during a crash. It is popular in off-road riding but is increasingly common for street riders as well.
- Hi-viz gear: Brightly colored or reflective vests, jackets, or helmet stickers boost your visibility to other motorists, especially at night.
- Earplugs: Wind noise can cause hearing damage over time. Earplugs let you ride comfortably while protecting your ears.
- Riding goggles: If you prefer an open-face helmet, goggles are a must to shield your eyes from wind, debris, and bugs. Look for a pair with shatterproof lenses and good ventilation to prevent fogging.
- Chest and back protectors: These additional armor pieces strap onto your body to safeguard your torso from impact and abrasion injuries. They are especially crucial if your jacket lacks built-in armor in these areas.
The specific accessories you choose will depend on your riding style and personal comfort level.
Any additional protection is worthwhile as long as it does not interfere with your ability to safely operate your motorcycle.
Making Safety a Top Priority
As experienced motorcycle accident attorneys serving Athens and surrounding areas, the team at Larrison Law Firm has witnessed the consequences of inadequate gear all too often. Medical bills, lost wages, long-term disabilities – these are just some of the high costs of skimping on protective equipment.
We know that high-quality gear can be a significant investment. But we urge you to view it as an investment in your well-being. After all, you insure your bike – shouldn’t you also insure your body? Saving a few dollars now is simply not worth the risk of far more expensive and painful repercussions down the road.
Gearing up properly every single time you ride is one of the best ways to embody the old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We can never eliminate all the dangers of the road.
Inattentive drivers, road hazards, and inclement weather will always pose risks to riders. But by equipping yourself with the best motorcycle protective gear, from head to toe, you put yourself in the best possible position to arrive safely to your destination.
Let Us Help You Today
At Larrison Law Firm, your safety is our highest priority. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Athens, Georgia, our knowledgeable attorneys are here to help protect your rights.
Contact us to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you on your road to recovery. In the meantime, we hope you will heed our advice and always put on your armor before saddling up for your next ride. Remember, the best protective gear for motorcycle riders is the gear you actually wear consistently. Ride safe out there.
