Riding a motorcycle is an inherently dangerous activity. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 motorcyclists died in 2019 from crashes. Do not let that statistic scare you, though. If you take the proper steps to stay safe on the road, you may avoid a collision. However, motorcyclists must always prepare themselves for a crash, including knowing what safety gear they should own.
If you were recently in a motorcycle crash in California, contact Setareh Law. Our motorcycle accident attorneys will launch a thorough investigation into your accident and help you obtain financial compensation for your losses.
What Safety Gear Do I Need as a Motorcycle Owner?
A motorcyclist can take every precaution when riding, but even the slightest movement can cause a crash. Having the proper safety gear may limit the severity of injuries a rider sustains.
Helmets
A helmet is a crucial piece of safety equipment. When involved in a crash, motorcyclists are more likely to hit their heads off a car or pavement. Without wearing a helmet, a rider may suffer from a head injury, such as a traumatic brain injury or a skull fracture. However, a helmet can protect you. According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and reduce the risk of head injury by 69%. Additionally, California law states that all motorcycle riders must wear a helmet at all times.
Eye Protection
Most motorcycle helmets have visors, but if yours does not, you should invest in eye protection. Goggles or sunglasses can help prevent road debris, such as gravel and dust, from getting into your eye. Eyewear can also protect you from bugs, wind, sun glare, and rain. Getting something in your eye while riding may cause temporary blindness, which could result in a crash.
Motorcycle Jackets
When purchasing a motorcycle jacket, you want to look for one that’s thick and tear-resistant. While the right jacket could be expensive, it is an essential piece of safety gear. When motorcyclists fall off their vehicles in a crash, they usually suffer from road rash. This injury causes severe cuts and gashes on the accident victim that a thick motorcycle jacket can help prevent.
Motorcycle Boots
Wearing the proper footwear is a vital part of staying safe when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle boots provide foot and ankle support and protect against potential road hazards. Manufacturers design these boots to reduce the risk of injury by making them with good traction for paved surfaces. Furthermore, the Marine Corps Safety and Force Prevention report that wearing proper motorcycle boots reduces the risk of an open-wound injury by 90%.
Knee Guards and Pants
Motorcycle knee guards and pants should be a vital part of every motorcyclist’s safety gear. Look for pants that are waterproof, abrasion-resistant, and breathable. Make sure the pants are also reflective. If the motorcycle pants do not come with built-in knee pads, you should buy a pair.
Multi-Tool Kit
Even though you will likely not need a tool kit every time you ride, having a small one on your motorcycle could be useful. Your toolkit should include a few wrenches, T-bars, hex keys, tie wraps, and electric tape. Ideally, the kit should fit under your seat.
Crash Protection Accessories
In addition to the above, you should also invest in bike protection products, including crash bobbins, frame sliders, handguards, crash bars, and skid plates. Manufacturers design these products to protect the bike’s body and components in case of a crash. Motorcycle repairs can be costly, but these accessories may help protect your bike long-term.
Contact the Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Setareh Law
Being involved in a motorcycle accident can be an overwhelming experience. You might have sustained severe injuries and face thousands of dollars in medical bills. When another driver’s negligent actions caused your damages, contact the injury attorneys at Setareh Law. Our California motorcycle accident attorneys can gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and negotiate with insurers to obtain compensation for your losses. To schedule a free consultation, call (310) 659-1826 or complete our contact form.