Spring is here and that means motorcycle riding season is here, too! Follow our best tips to ensure you are ready for riding season with the most important gear that will ensure your safety.
Not only is it important to wear motorcycle gear while riding, but for your safety, there are certain things to look for when shopping for each item. We’ve outlined them below.
Motorcycle Gear for Safety
Helmet
A helmet is hands down the most important piece of motorcycle gear when it comes to safety as it protects you against severe brain injury. We recommend a full-face helmet for the most coverage. Full-face helmets will also provide you with eye protection.
Eye Protection
If you are opting for a helmet without built in eye protection, then you should be looking into an alternative way to protect your eyes. A helmet visor is your best bet which will offer protection against wind, dust, and even bugs. You can also wear goggles, glasses or sunglasses. Whatever option you choose, it's important that your visibility isn't obstructed while riding.
Jacket
Unfortunately, a sleeveless vest won’t protect you if you are in a motorcycle accident so you should be wearing a motorcycle jacket with full arm coverage. This means the sleeves should cover from the shoulder all the way to your wrist.
Gloves
To ensure full coverage, your motorcycle gloves should extend past the wrist and be full fingered with some padding. Our natural instinct is to catch ourselves with our hands when falling so motorcycle gloves are essential gear to wear for your safety in the event of an accident. The material of gloves varies but you should make sure at least the palms of your riding gloves are made from leather.
Pants
Again, full coverage from your gear is always best. The ideal material for pants is leather and they should cover your lower leg and overlap your boots, so your ankles are fully protected.
Keep yourself safe during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month (and always) by paying attention to what you should be looking for when shopping for motorcycle gear.
Source: www.ottawasafetycouncil.ca
