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Riding a motorcycle is one of the most liberating experiences you can have on the road.
But here’s the thing, motorcycling is also one of the most dangerous activities out there. 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2023 alone, the most since tracking began in 1975. And while we can’t control other drivers, we can control what we wear.
The right safety gear can make the difference between a walk-away crash and a life-changing statistic.
In this article:
Why Safety Gear is More Important Than You Think
Why Helmet Standards Matter So Much
Protective Gear for Riding
6 Must-Have Pieces of Gear
Visibility Counts
Motorcycle Accident Safety Gear Is Not Optional
Let me tell you something you might not know. When you’re riding, your body has no built-in protection. Unlike a car driver cocooned in airbags and a steel cage, you have nothing between you and the road except your clothes. Because motorcycle accident injuries are more likely to be severe and life-altering, you should contact an expert like a Bothell motorcycle accident lawyer after a crash.
Motorcyclists have the highest death rate per mile traveled of any vehicle occupants–nearly 22 times greater than that of car occupants.
The good news? Safety gear can significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death in a motorcycle accident. The bad news? Many riders don’t wear it. Research from around the world consistently shows that while most motorcyclists wear helmets, far fewer wear any other protective gear. Some cite discomfort, others a bad look. But the data tells a different story…
Helmets–The Most Important Piece of Safety Gear
Your helmet is the single most important piece of motorcycle safety equipment you can own.
Here’s why: Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and are also 37% effective for riders in preventing death in a crash. Yet only 67% of motorcyclists consistently wear helmets. That’s one in three riders gambling with their lives every time they hit the road.
And not all helmets are created equal. When shopping for a helmet, look for:
DOT certification (minimum legal requirement)
Snell or ECE certification (higher voluntary safety standards)
Full-face design (offers the most protection)
Proper fit (snug but not too tight or loose for comfort)
A cheap helmet that doesn’t fit right is almost as bad as no helmet at all. The best helmet is one you’ll actually wear every time you ride. Here’s the kicker. Your helmet has an expiration date. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every five years, even if it’s never been in a crash.
Protective Riding Jackets–Your Second Line of Defense
Your riding jacket is your next layer of critical protection.
A good motorcycle jacket protects you from road rash, spine and shoulder impact injuries, and the weather elements that can affect your control. The best jackets have built-in armor at key impact points: elbows, shoulders and back. This armor spreads out the force of an impact to help prevent broken bones and other injuries.
You have two main types to choose from: leather or textile. Leather jackets have great abrasion resistance, while textile jackets are lighter, more breathable and often waterproof. Both work well if they include armor.
Here’s something most people don’t think about. Your jacket needs to fit properly to offer protection. If it’s too loose, the armor might not be in the correct position during a crash.
Gloves, Boots, and Pants–Finish Off the Protection
Hands and feet are often the first things to hit the ground in a crash.
Without protection, you’re looking at broken hands, feet or severe road rash. Quality motorcycle gloves should extend up to cover your wrists. Look for knuckle protection, reinforced palms and a snug fit.
Boots are just as important. Over-the-ankle boots with reinforced toes and heels will help prevent crush injuries. Sneakers offer virtually no protection.
Don’t forget the pants. Most riders just wear jeans. But denim provides almost no protection in a slide. Motorcycle-specific pants with armor and abrasion-resistant material can help protect your legs from serious injury.
Riders often value comfort over safety when it comes to gear. But think about this–road rash is so painful it often requires skin grafts. Is comfort worth that risk?
High Visibility Gear–Being Seen Can Save Your Life
Something that many riders don’t realize is that being seen is one of your best defenses against accidents. In most accidents between a motorcycle and a vehicle, the driver claims they “didn’t see” the motorcyclist.
You can change this with high visibility gear such as brightly colored helmets, reflective jackets or vests, LED lighting on your bike and reflective decals on your helmet and gear.
The research is consistent. Motorcyclists wearing high-visibility gear have a significantly lower chance of getting into an accident. If you’re not keen on wearing a bright yellow jacket all the time, at least add a reflective vest for night riding. It could save your life.
Keep Your Gear in Top Shape
Gear only protects you if you maintain it properly.
Replace your helmet and any damaged gear immediately after a crash. It might look fine on the outside, but the materials can be damaged in a crash. Check your gear regularly for damaged helmets, torn patches on jackets, broken zippers and expired armor inserts.
Store your gear properly when not in use. Keep helmets out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Clean your gear according to manufacturer instructions.
Here’s something most riders don’t think about. Armor inserts in jackets and pants can compress over time. Manufacturers usually recommend replacing them every few years, even if they look okay.
Wrapping It Up
Motorcycle accidents are a significant risk, but safety gear can significantly reduce the chances of a severe injury or death.
Your helmet is the most important safety piece of equipment you own, but it’s just the start of the protection puzzle. A jacket with armor, proper gloves and boots, and pants made for riding all add critical protection. High visibility gear helps other drivers see you, too.
Quality safety gear is an investment, but consider it against medical bills, lost wages and quality of life after a serious injury. The choice becomes pretty clear when you think about it that way. Don’t bet with your safety. Every time you ride without safety gear, you’re taking an unnecessary risk. Suit up before you ride–because the life you save with proper gear will be your own.
The post Essential Safety Gear to Reduce Motorcycle Accident Risks first appeared on Clean Fleet Report.
