motorcyclist protective gear

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), studies show that the head, arms and legs are the most frequently injured body parts during a motorcycle accident. Protective clothing and equipment serve a three-fold purpose for motorcyclists. First, they offer comfort and protection from the elements. Secondly, they offer injury protection. And thirdly, the use of colorful or reflective material makes the motorcyclist more visible to other motorists on the roadway. Here is a short list provided by experienced WA injury attorney Kirk Bernard regarding some of the gear and equipment you may be well-advised to use if you are a motorcycle rider:

1. Helmet: This is the most important piece of equipment you need. In Washington State, if you are riding a motorcycle, it is mandatory to wear a Department of Transportation approved helmet. When you choose a helmet, look for the DOT label on the helmet. There are several novelty helmets in the market. Stay away from them. They offer no protection in the event of a crash.
2. Eye protection: Most motorcycles do not have windshields. So it is important that riders protect their eyes against insects, dirt or other airborne matter. Choose good quality goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses or a helmet with a face shield. Whatever you use for eye protection must be scratch free, shatter-proof and well-ventilated to prevent fogging up.
3. Clothing: What you wear should provide some degree of protection from abrasion and road rash in the event you fall off the motorcycle. Clothing should be made with durable material such as synthetic material or leather. Jackets should have long sleeves. Trousers should be full-length. Avoid baggy or flared pants to prevent entanglement with the chain, kick starter, foot pegs or other motorcycle parts.
4. Gloves: It is recommended that you wear gloves that are durable and non-slip. Leather gloves are perfectly suited.
5. Footwear: You need footwear that protects your feet, ankles and lower parts of the legs. Leather boots are ideal. Sandals or sneakers should not be used since they offer no protection from abrasion or a crushing impact.
6. Colorful or reflective clothing: It is always good to be seen on the roadway. Some riders use reflective orange or yellow vests to cover their jackets. Reflective material may also be used on clothing, the helmet and the motorcycle. Remember, that a majority of motorcycle crashes occur because the driver of the other vehicle failed to see the motorcyclist in time to avoid the collision.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington motorcycle accident, please contact the experienced Washington motorcycle accident lawyers at The Bernard Group for a FREE consultation and evaluation of your motorcycle accident case. Call us at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for our FREE brochure, which has useful educational information about Washington motorcycle accident cases to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.