How Can Protective Gear Reduce the Severity of Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Cruising through Wisconsin on a motorcycle offers an exhilarating sense of freedom, with scenic routes and open roads. But while the adventure is unmatched, the risks are real! In Wisconsin, motorcycle accidents resulted in 1,606 injuries and 80 fatalities in 2022, highlighting the potential consequences of riding without adequate protective gear.

While you can’t prevent every accident, using proper safety equipment can lessen the severity of injuries when the unexpected occurs. Explore various protective gear options to reduce injury risks and learn how to pick the right apparel and accessories for your next ride.

Gear Up: Essential Protective Equipment for Every Ride

Wearing the right protective gear is crucial for motorcycle riders, regardless of whether they are riding the safest touring bike or the most dangerous sportbike. Here’s a breakdown of essential safety equipment and its benefits:

• Helmets: Helmets are essential for protecting riders from traumatic brain injuries, one of the most serious consequences of motorcycle accidents. Full-face helmets provide the most comprehensive coverage, protecting the entire head, including the face and jaw.

Helmets with DOT (Department of Transportation) or Snell certification meet rigorous safety standards. Research shows that helmets lower the risk of head injury by 69% and reduce the risk of death by 37%.

• Jackets: Motorcycle jackets, typically made from leather or reinforced textiles like Kevlar, provide excellent abrasion resistance and protect the upper body. These jackets often include armor padding at key impact points such as the shoulders, elbows, and back, reducing the risk of fractures and abrasions.
• Gloves: These protect hands and wrists from abrasions and impact injuries while boosting handlebar grip and motorcycle control. Gloves made of goatskin leather or synthetic materials with reinforced knuckles, palm sliders, and wrist closures offer added protection, especially during falls where the rider instinctively uses their hands to break their fall.
• Pants: Motorcycle pants are designed to offer abrasion resistance and often come with built-in armor for the knees and hips. Regular jeans provide minimal protection, whereas pants made from leather or advanced textiles can prevent severe road rash and fractures.
• Boots: Sturdy, over-the-ankle boots protect the feet and ankles from fractures and abrasions. They also offer better stability and control of the motorcycle. Look for features like reinforced toes, ankle support, and non-slip soles. Quality boots are essential for riders of heavy cruisers and touring bikes, where maintaining balance and control is crucial.

Fit for Safety: Tips for Choosing and Wearing Protective Gear

To ensure maximum protection, prioritize gear that fits your body and suits your riding style. Here are some tips for selecting and wearing the right protective gear:

• Helmet Fit: A helmet should fit snugly without pressure points. It shouldn’t move when you shake your head, and the cheek pads should press against your cheeks. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every five years or after any impact, even if there’s no visible damage.
• Jacket and Pants Sizing: The fit of jackets and pants is critical not just for comfort but also for proper armor placement and mobility. In the riding position, armor should sit squarely over the areas it’s designed to protect, such as elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips. Ensure the gear is snug against your skin but not so tight that it limits movement and control of the motorcycle.
• Glove Fit: Gloves should offer a secure fit while allowing unrestricted control operation. Look for features like palm sliders, which can help prevent your hands from catching on the pavement during a slide, potentially reducing the risk of wrist and collarbone injuries.
• Boot Considerations: Choose boots that allow you to operate the gear shifter and rear brake easily. They should provide firm ankle support to reduce the risk of fractures and sprains in an accident. Look for boots with reinforced toe boxes and heel cups for added protection.
• Visibility: Select gear with reflective elements, especially on the back and sides, to increase your visibility to other road users, particularly in low-light conditions. Some modern gear also incorporates LED lighting for even greater visibility.
• Weather Adaptability: Consider how adaptable your gear is to various weather conditions. Features like removable liners, ventilation systems, and waterproof membranes can enhance versatility, making it easier to wear in various weather scenarios.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect your gear for signs of wear and tear, focusing primarily on seams, zippers, and armor positioning. Clean your gear according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as improper cleaning can damage protective materials and diminish their effectiveness.

Get Professional Legal Representation With Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers

By prioritizing safety and wearing the right protective gear, you can reduce the risk of severe injuries in a motorcycle accident. While accidents are always possible, proper gear can lessen the severity of injuries for you and your passengers.

If the unexpected occurs and you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, our Wisconsin motorcycle accident lawyers are ready to assist you. Reach out to our law firm for a free consultation. We’ll investigate the accident, gather evidence, and defend your rights against potentially biased insurance companies and adjusters.