The Importance of Wearing Motorcycle Gear

Although riding a motorcycle provides a sense of freedom and exhilaration, it comes with inherent risks as well. Those risks are increased when a motorcyclist fails to wear the appropriate gear when riding on the open road.

Riders need to be diligent about wearing the right safety gear and clothing when they hop onto their motorcycles, even if their state doesn’t require safety gear. Under Missouri law, riders do not need to wear a helmet if they can provide proof of financial responsibility and have medical insurance. However, you should still understand the importance of wearing protective motorcycle gear in St. Louis and how Cofman Townsley can help if you are involved in an accident.

The Straight Facts About Motorcycle Crashes

As a motorcycle rider, it is helpful to be familiar with motorcycle crash facts to understand how injuries happen.

The latest information from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2019, there were 5,014 motorcycle deaths in the U.S. Many of these fatalities could have been prevented with appropriate safety gear.

  • 14% of all traffic fatalities are motorcyclists
  • 32% of fatal motorcycle crashes were caused by speeding
  • The NHTSA estimates that 749 lives could have been saved if motorcycle riders had been wearing helmets before their crash
  • Helmets saved lives in 37% of motorcycle crashes

Consequences of Improper Motorcycle Gear

When a motorcycle rider chooses not to wear the appropriate safety gear, they put themselves at risk. Without equipment that is designed to protect the motorcyclist’s body from the pavement, drivers suffer even more severe injury to their body including:

  • Road rash
  • Facial disfigurement
  • Broken bones, including facial bones
  • Burns
  • Dismemberment
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Death

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver’s carelessness, contact a St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. Working with an attorney can offer you peace of mind that while you focus on healing from your injuries, your lawyer is standing up for your legal rights to compensation.

What Motorcycle Gear Should You Wear?

You can mitigate the seriousness of possible injuries if you wear appropriate motorcycle gear. Always wear the following, even in hot weather, when you hop on your bike.

  • Helmet: Helmets are the number one piece of gear every motorcycle rider needs to wear. Helmets protect your head and brain in the event of a crash, not to mention the skin and bones on your face.
  • Motorcycle Gloves: In a crash, regular gloves offer no additional protection to your hands and fingers. Instead, invest in heavy-duty armored gloves that are designed to save your digits from the pavement.
  • Eyewear: Appropriate eyewear covers your eyes and protects them from wind and debris that can obscure your vision. Not only can debris damage your eyes, but if you crash because of it, you can cause harm to your passenger or another vehicle.
  • Motorcycle Jacket: Fashion leather jackets look cool, but they won’t help you in a collision with the ground. To ensure you’re protected, purchase an armored motorcycle jacket that will save your skin if you are dragged on the pavement.
  • Boots: Although any kind of boot that goes over your ankle helps mitigate ankle and foot injury, it is best to buy armored boots. Armored motorcycle boots prevent 90% of foot injuries, so investing in a pair of these is well worth it.
  • Motorcycle Pants: Motorcycle pants protect the lower half of your body. Jeans don’t do much in an accident, so armored pants are the only way to be safe.

Tips for Wearing the Right Gear in Hot Weather

Summer in the Midwest can be stiflingly hot, and the idea of throwing on a heavy leather jacket and helmet in 90° weather is not pleasant. However, sustaining injuries due to a lack of protective gear is even more unappealing. Furthermore, there is plenty of safety gear available that is designed to help keep riders both cool and safe in hot weather.

In addition to dressing correctly for the road, here are some actionable tips to implement on your next ride:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Wear synthetic, sweat-wicking clothing under your motorcycle gear.
  • Invest in full-coverage gear with ballistic mesh and ventilation for cooling.
  • Take breaks if needed.
  • Avoid riding during the hottest hours of the day.

Set Up a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle crash in the St. Louis area, reach out to the offices of Cofman Townsley Attorneys at Law. One of our experienced motorcycle accident lawyers will review your circumstances and determine if another driver played a part in your crash. Set up a free consultation by messaging us online or contacting our law office today.