Essential Motorcycle Safety Gear

Riding a motorcycle comes with a number of inherent risks. From being incredibly exposed on the road to being much smaller in size and weight than other vehicles, your odds of being injured as a motorcyclist are unfortunately very high.

In fact, according to data collected and analyzed by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,218 motorcycle deaths in 2022 alone, which amounted to 14.6% of all traffic fatalities during that year.

However, there are some things that you can do to enhance your safety and increase your protection. In this article, we will explore some essential types of motorcycle gear that you should make sure to wear next time you ride. 

Helmet

Wearing a helmet is the most important thing that you can do as a motorcyclist. Not only is it illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in most states, but it is also incredibly important to protect your head and brain from severe injury.

According to a study conducted by the NHTSA, it was found that helmets are 37% effective in preventing rider fatality. When choosing a motorcycle helmet, there are some important elements to take into consideration such as fit and style. Ultimately, the benefits of a helmet will be largely eliminated if it is ill-fitting.

One of the most crucial parts of choosing a motorcycle helmet is to ensure that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218. Helmets that meet this standard will have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on the back and will help ensure that you are maximizing your safety.

Gloves

Gloves are another important piece of equipment that motorcyclists should wear. In the event that you get into a motorcycle accident and fall off your bike, your hands are typically the first part of your body to hit the ground.

Therefore, if you are wearing gloves, your hands and wrists should be better protected. It is important that you wear gloves that fit well and do not compromise your ability to grip the handlebars. In addition, wearing gloves that are made of abrasion-resistant materials and have reinforced knuckles and additional padding will make the world of a difference if you get into an accident.

Riding Jacket

The next piece of gear that you should wear when riding a motorcycle is a motorcycle jacket. These jackets differ from your average in that they are made of durable materials, such as leather, and come equipped with extra padding.

Motorcycle jackets can also help to reduce your chances of suffering road rash, which the San Antonio motorcycle accident attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm describe as one of the most common types of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents.

Riding Pants

Another piece of gear that is often bought in tandem with a motorcycle jacket is pants. Motorcycle pants are incredibly important for protecting your lower body. Like motorcycle jackets, riding pants are also typically made of structured, durable materials that help to reduce the impact of a fall.