Motorcycle riding protocols and protective riding gear are designed by the system to help keep riders safe from injuries and fatal accidents. By checking their safety gear before heading out on the road, motorcyclists are making a smart choice that can protect their health in the event of a crash.
Illinois’ Department of Transportation (DOT) provides informative, safety riding tips for motorcyclists of all ages and professions. They encourage riders to wear ‘All The Gear All The Time’. Here are five essential pieces of motorcycle riding gear and what makes each of them important:
DOT-approved helmet
All helmets approved for use in the country come with a DOT-certified sticker. This means that the product has undergone and passed the organization’s strict testing procedures, including impact testing, penetration testing and head retention testing.
By doing research before choosing the correct type of helmet to wear, riders can ensure that their head will remain protected from accidental falls or crash injuries while out on the road.
Protective eyewear
There are plenty of reasons why motorcycle-specific eyewear helps keep riders safe on their journeys. Eye gear shields the rider from colliding with bugs and natural elements such as wind, water, smoke and fog. It also helps minimize the eyes’ exposure to bright sunlight, promoting better road visibility and improved reaction time to potential hazards.
Abrasion-resistant jacket
Abrasion resistance refers to a material’s ability to withstand friction without wearing through. Aside from the standard protection it gives from the elements, abrasion-resistant jackets are specially designed to protect the rider from incurring a direct skin exposure from a car accident, helping to minimize the severity of their injuries.
Gloves, pants and boots
Full-fingered gloves help provide an improved grip and stable control of the motorcycle’s handlebars. Wearing this protective gear alongside pants and boots can help reduce chafing and discomfort, helping riders drive with ease for longer trips.
Reflective vest
Motorcycles are not as large as cars on the road. By wearing a reflective vest over the rider’s usual gears, they can help improve their visibility for the other drivers on the road, especially during night drives, foggy weather situations and the rainy season.
By protecting yourself, you also protect others
When you wear appropriate safety riding gear, you give yourself protection against the elements and other hazards. By driving with good precision and better focus, you help keep yourself and others safe from any potential crash or fatal accident on the road.