Motorcycles are an extremely popular form of transportation and pastime. With different types of motor bikes, there’s a bike for every type of adventure. There are some bikes meant for long road drives, others for speed, and some for off roading. Motor bicyclists love the freedom a bike has, but being so exposed to the road can add to the danger.
In the year of 2022, over 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in accidents, according to Auto Insurance. Of the accidents that were not fatal, over 82,000 riders were injured in an accident. We have an article for more information about motorcycle injuries. The most common injuries include:
- Lower Extremity Injuries
- Chest Injuries
- Abdominal and Intra-Abdominal Injuries
- Multiple Intrathoracic Injuries
- Pelvic Ring Fractures
- Long Bone Injuries
There are many things that a motorcyclist can do to stay safe and prevent injuries.
One thing you can do is stay visible. This means making sure your headlights are working, use reflective strips on you and your bike, and avoid blind spots.
Another thing you should be doing is wearing safety gear. AARP has list of the safety gear you should be wearing, which includes;
Helmets
“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riders wearing a helmet have a 37 percent better chance of surviving a crash than riders without helmets”. Most helmets also protect you from road debris. When you are deciding on a helmet, you should make sure it is DOT approved, from a sticker on the side of the helmet. Also, the helmet should fit properly, not too tight it hurts, but not too loose that it moves.
Helmets not only protect your head, but also your spine, where they connect. If you hit the pavement with an unprotected head you could experience “severe brain injuries, skull fractures, concussions, and death.” If you survive these, you could also have long-term consequences. Brain injuries can cause disability and impairment, as well as “seizures, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, and loss of motor control”. You could even experience possible permanent memory loss.
Eye Protection
If you have an open face helmet or skull cap, you should “wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes”. This will also help protect you from debris.
Jackets
When picking out a jacket, making sure that the material will withstand abrasion in case of an accident. A smooth surface will cause you to slide, and thick leather or other materials will protect you better. You could also purchase a jacket that is bright colored, properly ventilated, and fits properly.
Gloves
You can have summer and winter gloves, depending on your weather and region. The main point should be to protect your hands in case of an accident.
Pants
For pants, you can purchase riding pants or leathers, but, again, the point is to protect your legs. “Leather, kevlar, and other synthetic materials used in pants designed specifically for motorcycle riding will protect you best in case of an accident”. Even jeans are better than “shorts, dress pants, or athletic pants”.
Boots
Your boots should also cover your ankles. They also should have low heels and gripey soles for the pavement and foot pegs.
According to Forbes, many “motorcyclists said that they did not regularly wear high-visibility gear and apparel[…]indicating that the most important reason was that they do not like the way it looks”. It is so important to wear safety gear, no matter how it looks, to protect you.
Wear your safety gear, watch the other driver’s around you, and stay safe on the road.
Contact Our Team of Injury Attorneys
To learn more about your legal rights and options following a serious motorcycle accident, be sure to contact our team of injury attorneys today. Our lawyers will work with you and fight diligently during your time of legal need.
