Safety equipment for riding a motorcycle

 

Although riding a motorcycle causes a feeling of complete freedom, the risks of applying the accelerator fully are multiple. However, there are some specific items and clothing to help you reduce risks and protect your integrity.

# 1 The use of a helmet is essential.

In the event of a crash, it will protect the most sensitive part of your body: your head. The use of a helmet reduces the probability of death by 73% in the event of a crash. In turn, motorcyclists who usually use it suffer up to 85% fewer serious injuries than people who do not use it.

First of all, the outer cover cushions the blows produced by blunt and sharp elements. It also prevents scratches. For its part, the internal cover has the function of absorbing the force of the blow, when sinking on impact. The functions of the foam-rubber layer and the fabric lining that cover the interior are to keep the helmet comfortably adjusted in the event of a crash. In these circumstances, the strap that secures the helmet along the pear, will hold it, preventing possible bruises.

Therefore, when you choose your helmet, make sure that it adapts to your needs but, above all, that it is of quality.

# 2 Protection for your eyes.

The windshields that some motorcycles have are not enough protection for your eyes, against the impact of the earth, stones, insects and wind. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a helmet with a face shield. Another option is to use glasses with plastic or safety lenses, to protect your eyes.

Both elements must be made of a resistant material, and have ventilation holes so that the vapor, product of your breathing, does not concentrate inside. Some crystals are interchangeable, in order to vary them according to the intensity of the light; in greater darkness, it is recommended to use shields or transparent lenses.

# 3 Ear plugs.

This protection is used exclusively for long, high-speed trips. They are intended to avoid dizziness or headaches that can be generated by the noise of the wind that hits our helmet and the engine.

# 4 Wear gloves too.

The hands are the part of your body that will hit the pavement first, in the event of an accident. For this reason, the gloves have the function of preventing cuts, wounds and scrapes in the event of a fall. They also prevent blisters from occurring, protect you from the wind, sun and cold.

To do this, preserve well the palms of your hands, fingers, and knuckles, with reinforced and padded gloves, whose shafts cover you up to above your wrists to prevent cold air from entering through the sleeves.

It is important that your gloves are made with some non-slip fabric in the area of the palm of the hand, in order to give you a firmer grip. Ideally, they are not too loose to comfortably operate the controls. In turn, if the gloves are too tight, they could obstruct circulation and make your fingers lose feeling.

# 5 Elbow and knee pads.

They adjust to the elbows and knees to protect them against possible impacts. But, at the same time, they are articulated to give you greater comfort and flexibility in your movements.

# 6 Clothing.

It is essential to use certain clothing when driving a motorcycle, for greater comfort and protection, against inclement weather and future injuries.

Singleton bike shop recommends wearing clothing made of leather or some sturdy fabric to reduce the severity of possible injuries or scratches from a crash. Also, I chose T-shirts with long sleeves and wider at the shoulders, and long pants. You should avoid wearing loose clothing, because the excess fabric could get tangled in the chain, pedal or in any other element on the bottom of your motorcycle.

On the other hand, colored or reflective clothing on the upper body will act as a visual signal to alert other drivers to your presence. It is advisable to wear an orange or yellow reflective vest over your jacket.

• Jackets:

  Their function is to protect your elbows, shoulders and back, in case of impact. The sporty and urban ones are usually made of leather, but there are also other ventilated models for the summer or equipped to compete.

• Protection chest:

  They are also called "protective bibs". They are placed over the jacket to protect the trunk, back and arms.

• Pants:

  Its built-in knee pads are intended to prevent serious injury to your knees. Also in this case, there is a variety of models in leather or fabric, summer or urban.

# 7 Neck protectors.

This class of protectors are intended to stop between the helmet and our torso, to prevent neck injuries caused by sudden movements.

# 8 Trellis.

The back - like the head - is one of the areas of your body most likely to be injured, in the event of an accident. To protect it, the best option are the independent back bars that adjust to the trunk, under the jacket.

# 9 Protection against climatic changes.

In the face of sudden weather changes, always carry a rain gear, designed to be worn over the rest of your clothing. The gear closes around your neck, wrists and ankles, snugly to prevent rain from wetting your clothing.

# 10 Wear the right footwear for riding a motorcycle.

Motorcycle boots must be made of durable and resistant material.

They are intended to protect your feet and ankles from burns - a product of the heat that emanates from the exhaust pipes - and from injuries that could be generated by the debris that fly down the road if they were to impact you. In turn, they will keep your feet dry, in case of rain.