Motorcycle riders are often easily identifiable when traveling on their bikes, typically wearing well-fitting leather jackets, pants with padding, and boots. The right gear is essential for rider safety to ensure the materials can protect the body in case of a crash.
Despite wearing protective gear and riding safely, many riders suffer injuries in accidents due to the negligence of other road users. Read on to learn more about motorcycle rider safety gear and what to do if you have a motorcycle accident on Louisiana roads.
Why Do Motorcycle Riders Usually Wear Black?
Aside from its cool and stylish appearance, black is the color of choice for many riders due to its practicality. Since a rider’s clothing can accumulate a lot of dirt, debris, and grease, black is often selected because it is more resistant to staining.
Furthermore, many riders wear black because most motorcycle gear is made of black leather. Leather provides excellent abrasion resistance, padding, and freedom of movement for riders, allowing for easy maneuvering and protection while motorcycling.
Other key safety benefits of leather motorcycle gear include:
All-weather use
Leather is inherently durable, making it a perfect all-weather solution. The material resists moisture intrusion, keeping riders cool and dry.
It also helps streamline the rider in windy conditions, reducing wind resistance which can slow speeds and cause balance issues. Harsh winds are dangerous on long drives and can increase rider fatigue, which may contribute to a lapse in concentration and a subsequent accident.
Maintenance-free and durable
Leather motorcycle gear is durable and easy to maintain compared to other materials. Leather is relatively inexpensive, making it available to most motorcycle riders. Riders can get decades of wear from a high-quality leather jacket.
Wearable comfort
When broken in, full-grain leather bike gear is comfortable to wear year-round. It is easy to put on and take off, making it a practical option. A good fit is crucial for comfort and safety regarding bike gear. When buying a leather riding suit, opt for one that hugs your body while offering flexibility and movement.
What Other Materials Are Available for Motorcycle Apparel?
Motorcycle apparel has developed significantly over the years to include more materials. Although leather remains the primary material choice, alternatives include woven Kevlar and Cordura.
Kevlar
Many textile jackets contain woven Kevlar fibers for reinforcement and abrasion resistance, which helps against road rash in crashes. However, Kevlar can be heavy and lacks flexibility. If you’re looking for comfortable and lightweight gear, choose cotton with Kevlar lining for additional protection on high-contact areas like the elbows, knees, upper thighs, and shoulders.
Cordura
Cordura is a resilient and waterproof fiber. It can be blended with nylon or cotton and typically weighs less than Kevlar, offering durability and resistance. Cordura can be a highly durable shell material for jackets or pants, providing protective reinforcement where it is most needed while still allowing breathability for the rider’s skin.
Staying Visible on Your Motorcycle
Motorcycle equipment manufacturers produce leather and textile gear in a range of colors.
One of the drawbacks to black leather is that it blends into its surroundings, making it hard for other drivers to spot a motorcycle rider until it’s too late. When choosing riding gear, consider the following visibility tips to help minimize the risk of a motorcycle accident:
Find gear in bright colors
Look for helmets, jackets, and other motorcycle gear with bright, reflective colors such as orange, red, yellow, and green. These can help you make you more visible to other drivers.
Consider fluorescent tape
Place fluorescent or reflective tape on your motorcycle gear in visible areas such as the shoulders to draw attention to yourself. Fluorescent tapes come in different colors, including yellow and orange. The brighter the color, the more likely other drivers will see you in low-light conditions.
Add a headlight brake modulator to your helmet
Adding a headlight brake modulator to your helmet lets drivers see your headlight flash when you hit the brakes, making it easier for them to see and avoid hitting you. It’s especially effective for traffic behind you because it lets them know when it’s safe for them to pass.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Safety Gear
Selecting the appropriate safety gear is crucial for every motorcycle rider to ensure maximum protection on the road. The right gear can mean the difference between minor injuries and severe, life-altering consequences in the event of an accident. Here are some key reasons why choosing the right safety gear is essential:
Comprehensive Protection
Motorcycle gear protects the rider’s body from impacts and abrasions. High-quality helmets, jackets, gloves, pants, and boots shield vulnerable areas, reducing the risk and severity of serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries and fractures.
Enhanced Visibility
Reflective materials and bright colors on gear enhance a rider’s visibility, reducing the risk of accidents caused by other drivers not seeing the motorcycle. Adding reflective strips or accessories can make you more noticeable.
Weather Resistance
Gear made from waterproof and windproof materials keeps riders dry and warm in adverse weather, ensuring comfort and preventing distractions that could lead to accidents.
Durability and Longevity
Investing in high-quality, durable gear provides long-term protection. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning, extends the life of your gear while maintaining its protective qualities.
Comfort and Fit
Well-fitting gear ensures comfort and effectiveness in protecting the rider. Ill-fitting gear can be a distraction and may not provide adequate protection. Choose gear that fits snugly but allows for freedom of movement.
By choosing the right safety gear, motorcyclists can ride confidently, knowing they have taken essential steps to protect themselves. Prioritize safety over style and invest in gear that meets or exceeds safety standards.
Consult Our Reliable Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
Wearing the right riding gear can help protect you from involvement in a motorcycle crash. If an accident happens, your riding equipment can also offer protection against serious injury. However, if a negligent driver causes a motorcycle collision, you may need experienced legal counsel to help you with the aftermath.
The motorcycle accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier can help you understand your legal options following a motorcycle collision. We can assess the crash’s circumstances, injuries, and accident-related expenses to determine your best course of action. Possible outcomes may include filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company for fair compensation or working with your insurance to cover your expenses.
We have years of experience helping motorcycle accident victims make the right legal move after their accident and get their lives back to normal. Reach out to Dudley DeBosier today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.
Originally published August 1, 2022.
