Every Denver motorcycle crash lawyer has dealt with at least one case in which the right gear protected a rider’s life – or the wrong gear resulted in death or life-changing injuries. Choosing the right protective gear can make a significant difference in the outcome of a crash. While you can’t prevent every accident, you can protect yourself to the best of your ability, improving your chances of coming through an accident without suffering fatal harm.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, as many as 66 percents of riders who suffer fatal motorcycle accidents are killed because they did not have the proper gear, including the proper motorcycle helmets. Choosing the right gear is crucial to protecting your health and safety on the road.
Five pieces of motorcycle equipment that you should never ride without include:
- Helmet. Choose a helmet that meets the US Department of Transportation standards for motorcycle riders. The USDOT’s research shows that helmets that are up to standard increase your chances of surviving a crash by 37 percent or more. The USDOT’s safety standards are rigorous, so helmets that meet or exceed these standards can be trusted to provide protection in a crash. Never use a helmet that has been through an accident before; although it may look fine on the outside, it may have internal damage that prevents it from providing the protection you need.
- Eye protection. Your eye protection may be part of your helmet if you choose a helmet with a faceguard. Or your eye protection may be separate from your helmet if you choose safety glasses or goggles. No matter which gear you choose, make sure your eyes are shielded when you are on the road. Eye protection prevents dirt and debris from entering your eyes, protecting them from potentially serious damage. It also keeps rain out of your eyes in bad weather, helping you stay focused on the road.
- Jacket. Your jacket should be made of heavy leather or a protective synthetic like Kevlar. A jacket with reflective panels or stripes can also help protect you by making it easier for other drivers on the road to see you, especially when the light is low. Your jacket should fit well, and it should not prevent you from reaching the handlebars easily.
- Gloves. Gloves protect your hands from dirt and debris on the road. They also help you grip the handlebars and controls, which allows you to maintain maximum control in wet or snowy situations.
- Boots. Boots protect your feet from the exhaust and other hot or moving parts of the motorcycle itself. They also protect your feet in an accident or when you come to a stop at an intersection and must put your feet on the ground to maintain balance.
At Levine Law, our experienced Denver motorcycle crash lawyers have helped many riders get the compensation they need after an accident. Contact us today to discuss your legal options and how we can help you too.
