The Five Pieces of Motorcycle Safety Gear You Need

Many of us at one point have thought about motorcycle riders, and how likely they are to get injured on busy streets. Although motorcycles are a faster mode of transportation, many have thought about the inherent risks that are associated with riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are more likely to get into accidents on urban roads, especially on city streets like busy Los Angeles. If you or a loved one ever get injured in a motorcycle accident, contact our experienced motorcycle attorneys to see if you have a viable claim.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in the year 2019, about 5,000 motorists were killed by car accidents. In 2019, a motorcycle rider was 29 times more likely to die than a car driver in an accident. Motorcycles are less visible to drivers than cars. Further, in 2019, about 84,000 of motorcycle riders sustained injuries from accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also found that motorcyclists were most likely to get involved in car accidents from 6-9 p.m.

Motorcycle riders are more likely to end up in a car driver’s blind spot. However, despite these risks, there are also a substantial number of benefits, including a faster and a cheaper mode of transportation when compared to a car. Further, cars are more likely to get stuck in traffic, whereas a motorcycle rider can drive around dense traffic. This comes in especially handy during Los Angeles work rush hour when employees leave their offices at the same time at the end of the day. However, with proper gear, you will be able to take further precautions and prevent substantial injuries should you ever get involved in a car accident.

Motorcycle Helmet

A motorcycle helmet is the top essential gear you need in order to ride a motorcycle. Some states have even taken measures to make wearing a motorcycle mandatory, or else the rider will incur fines. In California, all motorcycle riders are required to wear a Department of Transportation-compliant motorcycle helmet. A fine for operating a motorcycle without a helmet could incur traffic tickets for fines of around $200. This law is also mandated in Nevada. About three states have no helmet laws whatsoever: Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a helmet will decrease your chances of dying in a car accident by 37%. Further, a helmet can prevent any brain and neurological damage. Head injuries are the most common injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

The NHTS also recommends that the motorcycle helmet be fitted to your face. Many motorcycle riders make the mistake of purchasing any available helmet without making sure it is their size. Unfortunately, during an accident, a high impact blow could result in the helmet being flown off from the rider as the rider falls onto the gravel unprotected. Further, another important factor when shopping for a helmet is to make sure the helmet protects from flying bugs. If not protected completely, a bug may fly into the helmet while the motorcycle driver is riding, and could be a potential distraction, causing the driver to lose focus.

Motorcycle Boots

Motorcycle boots are not mandated by law in any state, but make a big difference when protecting riders. Many motorcyclists who fail to wear boots have their shoes flying off during an accident, resulting in bare feet that are more likely to sustain substantial injuries. One essential factor to keep in mind when purchasing boots are to make sure the boots go above the ankle for maximum support. For example, leather work boots could provide better protection than sneakers or loafers. One factor to keep in mind when purchasing boots are to make sure it has traction, and your foot does not slip off pedal when riding.

Motorcycle Gloves

Motorcycle gloves are another essential piece of safety gear a driver may need to prevent any substantial injuries. Gloves are available in several types of fabrics and textiles. The NHTSA advises that gloves be made out of leather, which does not wear away so easily. No states have requirements for wearing motorcycle gloves; however, it is an important piece of equipment a rider should have.

One major factor to pay attention to when purchasing motorcycle gloves are that they don’t slip and have an easy grip. A rider will need to make sure the gloves are a perfect size, and don’t fly off in cases of impact. Common problems to watch out for when choosing gloves are long finger lengths, and material that warms up fast, causing sweaty palms that make it harder to drive.

Motorcycle Jacket

A motorcycle jacket is also another essential piece of equipment a motorcycle rider needs to prevent substantial injuries. It is one of the most popular safety gear that riders wear, however, many of them wear it for aesthetic purposes. Many motorcycle drivers admit having more than one motorcycle jacket.

A common factor to keep in mind when purchasing a jacket is high quality. You want to make sure it is made out of quality fabrics and textiles that are not likely to wear away or wear out when it Is dragged onto gravel. Another factor to keep in mind is one that the jacket does not cause you to overheat quickly. It is advised to have two types of jackets: one for the hot summer, and one for the color winter months.

Motorcycle Pants

Similar to a motorcycle jacket, pants are necessary in protecting the bottom half of your body from sustaining any major injuries from a car accident. Motorcycle pants are the most overlooked pieces of gear that riders choose not to wear. However, with changing technology, motorcycle pants have now evolved to more comfortable textiles, not as hard as leather, and not as light as polyester. One factor to keep in mind when purchasing motorcycle pants is to make sure it has panels added to essential places to prevent any substantial injuries.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and believe you have a claim against another driver, contact our experienced attorneys at Heidari Law Group today. We have attorneys in major cities, such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Fresno, and Irvine.

Motorcycle accidents may seem a bit complicated when deciding who is liable and what type of personal injury case to pursue. Call our attorneys at Heidari Law Group to assist you in determining if you have a case, and who is most likely at fault. Despite being careful and purchasing gear, car accidents unfortunately still occur, especially in the busy city streets. Contact the Heidari Law Group for a reliable personal injury attorney that is experienced in California’s and Nevada’s car accident damage laws.

Call our office at 1 (833) 224 5454 to schedule a free consultation.

***Disclaimer: This blog is created by Heidari Law Group for educational purposes. This article provides a general understanding of the law. It does not provide specific advice. By using this site and reading through this blog, there is no attorney-client relationship created between you and any member of Heidari Law. Further, due to the constant change of the law, some parts of the information above may no longer be good law.