Don't Underestimate the Benefits of Wearing Good Quality Protective Equipment
It's a well known fact that personal protective equipment worn by motorcycle riders will reduce the effects of accidents. It won't stop the accidents happening but it will reduce the severity of any injuries and sometimes even remove them completely. Everyone recognizes that a helmet is the most important piece of protective equipment to wear. But what about all the others? There's plenty to choose from, but unfortunately, the benefits are very much underestimated. So let's look at what's available and discuss which are the best.
Wear the correct protective gear and you're less likely to be injured
Ask most riders and they'll readily admit that the most important piece of protective equipment is a helmet. Most riders use them but a range of other equipment is left on the shelf. In Mediterranean countries, it has become a bit of a trend to ditch the PPE and be concerned more with comfort than safety. A very useful booklet has been published with the aim of encouraging a wider up-take of protective gear. Available in seven different languages including English, Italian and French it gives important guidelines along with supporting scientific evidence. Knowing more about the different types of protective equipment and its effectiveness should help riders make the right choices and improve safety.
Different types of personal protective equipment for motorcyclists
Many countries now make it mandatory to wear personal protective equipment such as helmets and protective clothing when riding motorcycles, scooters or mopeds. Other types of equipment such as jackets, gloves, boots and trousers may not be mandatory, but it is still advisable to use them to reduce injuries and increase safety of riders and passengers.
Jackets made for motorcyclists tend to be made of leather or specialized materials such as cordura or Kevlar. The same with gloves and trousers. They will often include extra padding on the elbow, spine, shoulder, knees and knuckles. Boots are also manufactured with increased safety in mind and can include reinforcement and plastic caps on the ankles and toes.
Riders who prefer to ride off-road wear a range of different plastic armor to protect from injuries when falling off, hitting other riders, or from debris kicked up from the track or by other riders. The armor is to protect extremities from breaking and the back and spine from strain and broken bones.
Motorcycle goggles are also worn, when a helmet is not full-face. These are designed to protect the eyes from dust, wind, debris and UV rays. Special goggles are often worn for motocross and feature a foam rim that seals the goggles against the face.
