Especially when traveling on the crowded streets and highways throughout the state of California, riding motorcycles offers people greater agility and maneuverability on the roads. Unfortunately, however, due to their smaller size, these vehicles do not provide the same exterior protections from collisions that other automobiles boast. Therefore, it is key for motorcycle operators to wear the appropriate gear when riding to help protect themselves from serious injuries.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, people should wear snug-fitting jackets and long pants to protect their skin in the event of a motorcycle accident when they ride. Such clothing may also help safeguard them from the weather, debris and hot parts on their vehicles.
Even in the summer months, flip flops or sandals are not recommended footwear for operating a motorcycle. People are also advised to avoid wearing shoes with heels. Close-toed shoes or over-the-ankle boots are best as they help provide stability and protection, and because they are less likely to get caught on their motorcycle’s parts or rough surfaces.
The most important piece of protective gear that motorcyclists should don when hitting the road is a helmet. They may choose to wear either a half shell, three-quarters shell or full-face helmet based on their personal preference, provided it has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Helmets should be free of cracks, loose pads or other such defects, and they should fit snuggly all the way around the riders’ heads in order to be effective and help protect them from serious injuries or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for suffering a head injury in a motorcycle accident is reduced by 69% by wearing a helmet when riding, and it is estimated that as many as 802 lives could have been saved in 2016 had all motorcycle riders been wearing helmets.