Motorcycle Gear Designed to Protect You In A Crash

Portland is a great place to ride a motorcycle. While the diverse environment found throughout the Willamette Valley makes it an ideal place to experience the thrill of the open air that comes with riding a motorcycle, this same diversity can also pose hazards to motorcyclist enthusiasts.

Additionally, our general population and status as one of the top twenty largest metropolitan areas in the country translates into more people with whom motorcyclists must share the road. Climate, terrain, and increasing numbers of motorists can mean increased risks of being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to protect yourself while on the roadway, beginning with the right gear. Having the right motorcycle gear is a smart choice and a worthwhile investment in protecting yourself in the event of a crash.

Protective Gear for Comfort and Safety

Comfortable, properly fitting motorcycle protective gear can help you to adapt to a number of different settings and climates while riding, and can reduce the risks of serious injuries should you be involved in an accident. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, basic protective gear that every motorcycle enthusiast should have includes:

Motorcycle Helmet: A motorcycle helmet is undoubtedly the most important piece of protective gear you can wear. In the event of an accident, wearing a helmet protects your head against serious head and brain injuries that can be debilitating, and potentially life threatening.

Face Protection: Windshields and protective glasses keep your face and eyes protected against the wind and from flying gravel, bugs, or other debris. Tinted windshields and goggles help to block the sun’s glare, which can dangerously affect vision as well as cause eye fatigue.

Riding Gloves: Properly fitting protective gloves can help to improve your grip on the handlebars, helping you to control the motorcycle better on sharp turns or rocky terrain. The right gloves can also help protect the fingers and hands from wind or extreme temperatures, and prevent cuts and bruises in the event of an accident.

Motorcycle Boots: Motorcycle boots that go over the ankle prevent a variety of injuries. They can prevent painful exhaust burns, as well as protect your feet from potentially dangerous flying debris. They enable you to get a better grip on the pavement as well as the pegs of the bike, and protect your feet and ankle from injuries in the event of a crash.

Protective Gear Helps You Be Prepared

The allure for many people of motorcycle riding is the thrill of being out there on the open road. Being prepared doesn’t mean sacrificing your freedom; it means ensuring your safety.

The Oregon Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Oregon State University, has established a program for motorcycle safety called TEAM Oregon. The program provides outreach, training, and education for motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the state. In order to get a motorcycle endorsement from the DMV, riders must complete a safety course. Courses provide practical tips on techniques, as well as common sense guidelines for how to avoid being in an accident.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

By taking some simple precautions, you can lower your risk of being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. At Johnston Law Firm, we understand that accidents do happen. Contact our experienced Oregon motorcycle injury attorneys if you’ve been injured as the result of a motorcycle-related crash. Our Portland attorneys will be happy to review your case.