Regardless of how long you’ve been riding, you always need to wear the proper motorcycle safety gear to protect yourself from injury. If you’re interested in taking on a new hobby or recently invested in a new method of transportation, learn about the hazards a motorcyclist might encounter and how to keep yourself safe.
Stock Up on Essential Motorcycle Safety Gear
Slick Surfaces
It’s never safe to drive on ice or other slick surfaces on a motorcycle because there are only two wheels making contact with the road, which leads to less traction and stability. This makes it easier to spin out or lose your balance, which can result in a range of injuries.
Keep an eye on the weather to avoid driving in sub-zero temperatures and watch the road ahead to make sure it’s dry and clear.
Airborne Debris
You won’t have four doors, a windshield or a roof to protect you from all the debris flying through the air, including rocks, bugs, dirt and gravel, all of which can impact your ability to drive. Objects can hit you in the face, making it harder to see.
In order to avoid debris, you can install a windshield on your motorcycle to reduce the airflow, but the best solution is to cover every inch of your body in protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves and a full-face helmet with a protective visor.
Body Aches
Riding for long periods of time can also be hard on certain parts of your body, including the thighs and inner legs. Your back, hands and wrists might start to ache if you aren’t seated in the right position.
Wearing durable, protective clothing that’s designed for motorcyclists will help you avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort. Maintain good posture on the bike to avoid putting undue pressure on your joints and muscles.
Blind Spot Collisions
Motorcycles don’t take up as much room on the road as traditional passenger vehicles. This makes it easy to weave in and out of traffic and other tight spaces, but all that maneuvering can get you into trouble if the other vehicles can’t see you. Riding in someone else’s blind spot can lead to a serious collision.
Practice safe driving on the road and use caution when passing other vehicles. Do not stay in other drivers’ blind spots and use proper illumination to stay visible after the sun goes down. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles by increasing your following distance, especially when driving around large trucks, and get out of their way when they are backing up or turning.
Head and Spinal Cord Injuries
The most common types of motorcycle injuries are head and spinal cord injuries. Flipping your motorcycle or getting thrown from the bike can end with one of these tragic injuries.
Accidents happen on a motorcycle, especially when you’re just starting out. Protect yourself from the inevitable by wearing a full-face or half-face helmet with goggles. You can also wear shoulder, neck and knee pads to cushion the fall as much as possible. Motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing fatal injuries, according to the U.S. National Safety Council, so we always recommend wearing a helmet to stay safe.
How Should a Motorcycle Helmet Fit?
Leg Injuries
Your legs are susceptible to serious injuries while riding among other vehicles. Additionally, dropping your legs to the ground while riding can also leave your feet scraped and bruised.
Fortunately, staying aware of your surroundings and wearing durable boots with reinforced grips can help you keep your feet on the footpegs.
Distracted Driving
Not paying attention to the road and your surroundings will increase your risk of injury.
But you still need to communicate with your fellow riders when traveling in a group. Learn about the best motorcycle hand signals to share information without putting yourselves at risk.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking your hands off the handlebars, use motorcycle helmet communication to talk hands-free while riding. It will automatically reconnect whenever you’re in range to help you stay in touch every step of the way.
Stay Vigilant on the Road
Riding a motorcycle is a fun and thrilling adventure, but it’s important to remember safe driving practices and wear the proper gear. By embracing these measures, you can enjoy the ride without compromising your well-being.
