5 essential pieces of motorcycle safety gear
Few things are more enjoyable than leaving the stress of everyday life behind to explore Ohio behind the handlebars of your favorite motorcycle. As you know, though, motorcycling can be dangerous. That is, a motorcycle wreck can cause you to suffer serious bodily harm.
If you sustain a serious injury in a motorcycle accident, you must act quickly to pursue compensation for your injuries. After all, for most personal injury cases, Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations. A better strategy, though, is to avoid a motorcycle accident altogether. With the right riding gear, you increase your odds of staying safe on your bike. Here are five pieces of motorcycle gear you should wear every time you ride:
1. A helmet
Even though Ohio does not require adult riders to wear a helmet, a safety-rated helmet is probably the best piece of protective gear you can own. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing rider deaths. They are also more than 65 percent effective in reducing traumatic brain injuries.
2. A jacket
Road rash is a serious injury. If you take a spill on your bike, your skin may never be the same again. To protect the sensitive parts of your body from road rash, invest in a high-quality jacket. Fortunately, you likely do not have to overheat to stay safe on your machine. Because modern jackets come in a variety of materials and designs, you can choose the one that is the most comfortable for you.
3. Pants
Because of road rash, riding in shorts is never a good idea. Instead, always wear pants when you ride your bike. For extra protection, purchase a pair of reinforced jeans.
4. Boots
When you ride your motorcycle, you use your feet to accelerate, brake and shift. If you wear shoes that do not have adequate tread, you may not be able to keep control of your bike. Because weather conditions frequently change in Ohio, you should always wear a pair of boots that has enough tread to grip your bike’s wet pedals. Good boots also protect your feet, toes, ankles and calves during a crash.
5. Gloves
You do not only control your bike with your feet, but you also use your hands. When you wear a pair of modern riding gloves, you keep your hands warm during inclement weather. You also improve your grip.
These five types of motorcycle protective gear are essential for most riders to stay safe on Ohio’s roadways. Depending on your riding style, you may also want to wear protective eyewear, body armor or a full riding suit. Remember, recovering from a motorcycle accident can be stressful, expensive and time-consuming. With the right gear, you minimize your chances of sustaining a serious injury.