Motorcycle Safety Begins With Head-to-toe Coverage

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Research gives ample evidence to the fact that seatbelts and air bags in cars save lives. Research proves also that safety gear on motorcycles, scooters and ATVs saves lives. And whether you ride for pleasure, for work or race, all motorcycle and ATV riders should be covered from head to toe to avoid serious injury and possibly even death.

It begins with the helmet. Not all states require a helmet, but intelligent riders wear them anyway. Does it really make any sense to protect only the child or the woman on the back of the bike? To begin, choose a helmet that fits. First, the style must fit your use. Manufacturers make specific models for Motocross, which differ distinctly from cruising helmets. Offroad gear is different from street gear. The style and color must also fit your personality, your personal choices. Manufacturers today make both adult and youth-size helmets in a vast array of colors and designs for both men and women, boys and girls. But the most important aspect of the fit, is how it fits your head.

Helmet manufacturers publish Size Charts, which will give you the exact measurements of the inside of the helmet. Take time to measure your head, and be selective in choosing a helmet that is either oblong or round, depending on the shape of your head.

In addition to a helmet, you need to also adequately cover your arms, your legs, your hands, your feet and your torso. And you can find everything from textile jackets and pants to leather jackets and pants. Buy the protection you need for the activity you are participating in. For example, if you are racing motocross, you need a jersey and pants, you need the boots specifically made for motocross, you need gloves, goggles and body armor of some sort to protect your torso. You might also consider an ankle brace, elbow and knee guards and a shoulder brace. Motocross is a grueling (though very exciting) sport, so don’t go out unprepared. For the more casual street rider, a leather jacket and chaps might suffice, with some good leather boots and gloves. Leather boots protect riders from snake bites, in addition to protecting the feet and lower legs in a crash. Snakes will often warm themselves on the pavement, and as the bike goes by, they’ll strike at the rider’s legs, so boots serve a dual purpose.

If your helmet does not have a visor, be sure to invest in a good pair of goggles or glasses, which cut down on wind and bugs in your eyes, keeping your vision clear. Gloves are an essential item for all riders, as the first thing we tend to do when falling is put our hand out to catch ourselves. Dirt, gravel and rocks are hard to wash out of road rash on your hands, arms, legs and face.

If you are an offroad rider, you will need gear to protect you from the trees and brush that you come into contact with. Leather is recommended for offroad gear because textile clothing might tear or become damaged by tree limbs. And hand-guards are available which attach to ATV handlebars.

Vented riding gear is a must for those of you who are on your bikes for long periods of time. Invest in vented pants and jacket – it’s cooler, it helps to maintain a comfortable body temperature, and it allows you to ride for longer periods without having to stop and rest. Hydration systems, like Camelbak’s, are a must for extended periods on your bike. And if you are traveling through unfamiliar territory, be sure to take along a GPS unit so that you don’t get lost.

Motorcycle and ATV manufacturers have added great safety and comfort features to their gear. Check it out and get some for yourself! Ride safely, ride smart, ride responsibly.