ALT-1 Essential Motorcycle Safety Gear
Essential motorcycle safety gear is a subject that all riders of bikes need to consider and this is equally relevant to the new rider and those that have been riding for some time. In addition, should you have an accident it is likely that you may invalidate your motorcycle insurance should you not be wearing a crash helmet and such is a legal requirement in the State or Country in which you ride.
Let's have a look at some of the types of motorcycle safety gear available, working from your head to your feet.
Crash Helmet.
This really is an essential item of safety gear. No matter which type of helmet you choose, it should be one that fits well and has the correct accreditation for your Country of residence. Also, do not affix any stickers or paint the helmet unless you are sure that the material the helmet is made of can accommodate such, in some cases the chemicals in paint or the adhesive in some stickers can affect the chemical make up of the helmet skin construction rendering it dangerous.
Also, your visor if your helmet has one, should be clear and unscratched. Some Countries have made dark tinted visors illegal so if you wish to use one, check that it is a legal attachment first. It is also unsafe to use a dark tinted visor at night as your visibility is severely reduced, which is why the law has stepped in and made such illegal.
Jacket.
There are many types of motorcycle jacket available and you should make sure you have one that is made for the purpose. Some types of jacket have armour (usually kevlar) built within the fabric of the jacket, protecting the elbows, shoulders and back. You can even get jackets that have raised protection on the upper back which reduces the rearwards movement of the head avoiding neck injury to some extent. Leather is a common fabric used in the construction of the jacket as it has good friction properties and protects the skin well, should you find yourself sliding along the road.
Hi Viz Waistcoat.
This is a safety accessory that you wear over your jacket. It is of a fluorescent colour and has light reflective strips as well. It really does help you be seen at night and can save your life.
Gloves.
Wearing gloves when riding your bike is really important. Not only do you protect your hands against the weather, but it is a natural response to put out your hands when you fall. This means should you come off your bike, it is most likely that your hands will hit the road before any other part of you will. Or, if your arms are flailing around when falling, the backs of your hands will most likely take the most force when hitting the road. Gloves can be obtained with armoured knuckle and finger guards to protect against this.
Trousers.
The advice here is much as it is for the jacket. Protection via armour can be provided to protect the knees which are very vulnerable when on a bike.
Boots.
Good quality boots are essential when it comes to choosing motorcycle safety gear. They should be strong and come over the ankles. Some boots have protection for the ankles built in to their construction. In addition, choose boots with a rubber sole as it is important to have good grip when you are at a standstill when on the bike.
Many types of motorcycle clothing have light reflective strips stitched into them, although they may not look glamorous, they will also help to save your life. If you have weatherproof overclothing, usually a one piece garment, make sure you are protected underneath and that the oversuit has light reflective strips on it.
Do not be tempted to ride your bike in normal clothing and trainers, it may feel better and you may think you look better, however you are not protected and looking cool in hospital is not that important.
