After five years of begging, favors, and—you’re ashamed to admit—whining, your husband finally agreed that if you wanted a motorcycle, you should have one. Of course, he had some stipulations. Without really paying attention, you agreed to them all and started daydreaming of your new ride and mentally calculating how soon you could purchase it. After going over your finances, and tracking dealership holiday deals, you and your husband both agreed that you’d have one for Christmas.
After what seemed like an eternity, Christmas day arrived and like a five-year-old, you bounded down the stairs and ran outside to see your present. You opened the door and saw the shiny black Star Bolt with a big red ribbon on it in your driveway. It was absolutely beautiful, just like in the dealership when you picked it out. By the time that your husband caught up, you were already straddling the seat and attempting to back out for a trip around the block. He managed to sprint to the end of the path and block the road before you were able to get there.
He told you that although the bike was in fact yours, he was going to keep you from riding it until you opened your other gifts...the stipulations.
When you went back inside, he had a pile of safety equipment all wrapped up under the tree. He explained to you that the only way he would feel comfortable with you riding, was if you were completely decked out in a proper protective wardrobe.
Although the thought was extremely sweet, was it really necessary? Do you really need to wear gloves, a helmet, and a full body suit?
Protective Equipment Recommended for a Safe Ride
Riding a motorcycle definitely has its risks. The Highway Safety Association estimates that nearly 100,000 people a year are injured in motorcycle collisions due to the lack of proper safety equipment and gear. However, you can take proper precautions and avoid such painful and debilitating injuries by simply wearing proper safety gear and equipment. A simple wardrobe change could secure your future safety. So the next time you rev up your bike’s engine, remember this article, it could wind up saving your life.
In order to prevent painful and permanent injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that you always wear the following objects:
- Helmet. Not only will a helmet prevent painful facial abrasions, but it will help decrease your odds of a head, brain, or neck injury as well
- Leather, ballistic nylon, or durable jackets and pants. Durable and resistant clothing, such as heavy duty nylon and leather, can act as a protective layer of skin—preventing painful road rash and scarring.
- Protective gloves. Gloves will protect the sensitive palms of your hands from being scraped, cut, and mangled.
- Boots or durable footwear. Not only will durable shoes give you more traction while on your bike, but if you need to suddenly put your foot down, it will also protect it from abrasions.
- Safety goggles or eye protection. Goggles cannot only prevent traumatic scrapes to your eyes, but they’ll also keep debris and dust from temporarily blinding you and causing a severe accident.
Tell Us Your Thoughts
Given the potential risks involved with riding a motorcycle, do you think it’s appropriate for states to have helmet laws and safety gear protocols for riders? Do the benefits of riding free outweigh the risks? Do you think additional safety gear should be required? Let us know your thoughts by leaving your opinions and questions in the comment section. If you liked this article, or found it interesting, you can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more information and legal advice pertaining to motorcycle laws, accidents, and regulations.
| Related Links: |