South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
You feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin—and you can’t think of anything better than being out on the open road. Riding a motorcycle is equally thrilling and liberating.
But before you hit the highway, there’s one thing you should never overlook: protective gear. While it may be tempting to hop on your bike without it, that could put you in danger should an accident occur. To stay safe, let’s discuss why wearing protective gear while riding a motorcycle is important and what benefits it offers you.
What is Protective Riding Gear?
Protective gear is an essential part of any motorcyclist’s wardrobe. It serves two key purposes—protecting you from injury and protecting you from the elements.
So, what makes up the gear you need to stay safe and comfortable during a ride? Let’s break it down:
Helmet
The absolute most important piece of protective gear is a helmet. Not only does this keep your head safe from impacts in case of an accident, but it also helps block out the wind and keep you from getting too cold or hot. Plus, many states require motorcycle riders to wear helmets for legal reasons.
Jacket
Next is a jacket made of strong leather or ballistic nylon webbing. This helps protect your arms and chest against road rash in case of a crash and keeps you warm during colder rides. For extra protection, look for one with optional armor pads that fit over vulnerable areas like your spine, shoulders, and elbows.
Gloves
Gloves offer important protection against windburn and potential injuries during an accident. Make sure they fit snugly while allowing you to move easily when driving or making repairs on the bike. Many gloves also come with internal padding for added comfort.
Pants
You’ll want to look for pants or chaps made from thick, abrasion-resistant leather for enhanced durability and protection against impact injuries in case of a crash. As with other protective gear, armor pads can be installed inside the pants for extra safety in vulnerable areas like your hips and knees.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Protective Gear When Riding a Motorcycle?
Improved visibility
Wearing protective gear when riding a motorcycle is a must for any rider. But not only will it keep you safe, but it can also help you ride better.
One of the most important reasons to wear protective gear is improved visibility. Protective eyewear can provide protection from flying debris and wind and a wider field of vision for the rider.
It’s easy to miss other vehicles accidentally, pedestrians, or even animals when you’re riding around with nothing blocking your view. But the right protective eyewear can help brace your eyes and block out distractions while allowing you to see clearly.
Protective clothing such as jackets and pants also offer improved visibility due to their bright colors, making riders more visible to other drivers on the road. This makes it easier for them to be seen by other drivers, increasing their overall safety while on the road.
Reduced risk of catching colds/illnesses
If you ride a motorcycle, you know all about the dangers of the open road. But don’t overlook another danger—the risk of catching colds and illnesses, especially when exposed to the elements for long periods.
Having the right gear can help mitigate these risks. From helmets to gloves and boots, outfitting yourself in protective gear can be an effective barrier between you and airborne germs. Helmets, for example, have face shields that form a physical boundary and prevent germs from entering your face and nose. Even something as simple as a face mask can help protect you from viruses in the air.
Moreover, good protective gear is designed to keep you at a comfortable temperature regardless of riding conditions like wind chill or humidity. That way, your body can fend off any germs it comes into contact with, ensuring that every ride is safe!
Impact Protection
Impact protection is the third benefit of wearing protective gear when riding a motorcycle. Sure, you love the feeling of the wind in your hair on an open road. But if you crash, that probably won’t feel so great. Impact protection keeps you safe and sound in case of a crash.
But what exactly does impact protection keep you safe from?
Abrasion Resistance
Protective gear is designed with abrasion resistance, which helps reduce the amount of skin exposed in case of a crash. Most riders opt for a jacket, gloves, and pants made specifically for motorcyclists so that their skin is less likely to come into contact with hard surfaces like asphalt and gravel in an accident.
Impact Absorption
Some motorcycle apparel comes with protective armor padding that absorbs impacts from things like debris and objects you can’t avoid while on the road. The padding absorbs some of the shocks during a collision and prevents serious injuries—something all riders should consider when choosing what to wear.
Comfort
When you’re out on the road, comfort and protection come hand in hand. The right protective gear can make all the difference in how comfortable you feel while riding your motorcycle. Protective gear is designed to fit snugly, so it doesn’t interfere with movement while offering maximum protection.
No matter what type of protective gear you wear, comfort is key! Make sure to find a style that fits properly so you can have peace of mind knowing you’re as safe and comfortable as possible when riding your motorcycle.
Safety
You already know that protective gear when riding a motorcycle is critical—but let’s talk about why it’s so important.
Protection For Bodily Injury
We’ll start with the obvious: wearing protective gear helps to reduce the risk of bodily injury in a crash or fall. According to a study by The International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, riders who wear helmets are 44% less likely to suffer fatal injuries than those who don’t.
It keeps You Warm and Dry
Riding in the rain? Ensure you have a waterproof outer layer, and you’ll stay nice and dry while you ride. And if you’re riding at night or in cooler temperatures, an insulated body suit can also help keep you warm and comfortable.
Improved Visibility
Protective clothing often comes with reflective patches or stripes, which improve your visibility on the roads—this makes it easier for other drivers to spot you in their rearview mirror, especially at night.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale
If you or your loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, you need to find a motorcycle accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale — and that’s where Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, motorcycle accident attorney serving Fort Lauderdale, Florida, comes in. Our law firm has years of experience handling many types of motorcycle accident cases, so you immediately know that you are getting quality service.
We understand the complexities of motorcycle accidents because we have considerable experience. We can guide and advise on the best way to proceed with legal action, whether negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit.
Our lawyers will fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They will work tirelessly to ensure justice is served, and you get the money to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.
We are also available any time to answer any questions or concerns about insurance coverage or legal options. So don’t wait — if you or your loved one has been in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale, contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today at (561) 800-8000 and get the quality representation you deserve.