Do Motorcycle Jackets, Vests, and Helmets Really Protect You?

For many people who ride motorcycles, fashion is just as important as the bike or the experience of riding it. A key part of motorcycle culture is a feeling of freedom and self-expression, and that can be done through one’s ride as well as helmets and other motorcycle-centric apparel. The question may come up, though, as to whether wearing stereotypical leather biker gear or purpose-made safety jackets will actually matter in the event of a motorcycle accident.

The answer is that motorcycle jackets and vests do indeed provide a level of protection when you are out on the road. However, that protection will only get you so far, and in many motorcycle accidents, a protective jacket or vest may not be enough to keep you from getting injured. That being said, it is always a good idea to wear protective equipment when using a motorcycle because being protected against some injuries and accidents is better than being protected against none.

For a free review of your case, call our motorcycle accident attorneys at Law4Hogs at the number 1-800-529-4464.

What Protective Equipment Can I Wear While Riding a Motorcycle, and How Does it Protect Me?

There is a whole industry around motorcycle protective equipment. Indeed, riding a motorcycle is a potentially dangerous activity. However, the danger involved is often overblown, and the risk associated with motorcycles is part of the allure, after all!

Because of the known dangers of riding a motorcycle, there is a lot of protective equipment to choose from. Our motorcycle accident lawyers have broken down what protective equipment you can wear while riding a motorcycle, what it does, and whether wearing it is a good idea for you.

Motorcycle Helmets

The motorcycle helmet is arguably the most important piece of protective equipment you can wear when operating a motorcycle. It is also the only piece of protective equipment on this list required by law. Under N.J.S.A. § 39:3-76.7, all individuals riding motorcycles must wear an approved motorcycle helmet.

Helmets are important because they protect your head from forceful impacts. As a motorcyclist, you do not have the benefit of a car’s airbags and weight to blunt an impact; you only have the padding and protective qualities of your helmet. You should always wear a helmet when using a motorcycle, as it can save your life in many circumstances where a hit to the head would have been seriously damaging or even fatal.

Jackets

Motorcycle jackets are another emblematic piece of motorcyclist apparel. Motorcycle jackets were first made of leather because of their durability, resistance to friction, heat, and scraping, and because they can keep you warm on cold days. Indeed, a classic leather motorcycle jacket is a perfectly good choice for protective riding attire. However, there are also jackets made of more modern materials that are resistant to road rash and may have some fire-retardant qualities. For example, some motorcycle jackets incorporate Nomex, a fire-resistant material used in NASCAR jackets and flight suits, into their fabric. As a general rule, any jacket is better than no jacket if you are riding a motorcycle.

Vests act in a similar way to jackets. They can be made of lots of different materials and offer some protective qualities. However, vests will always protect you less than a jacket just by nature of not having any sleeves. Ultimately, vests are more designed to protect you from the elements than from the dangers you may encounter on the road when riding a motorcycle.

Gloves

Motorcycle gloves are mostly fashionable, although some models do offer good protection for your hands. Note that the more protective the glove, the less likely you are to maintain full dexterity in your hands. This may present an issue in some driving situations. Ultimately, the choice of whether you wear gloves while riding a motorcycle is up to you.

Pants

It is important not to neglect the lower half of your body when choosing what to wear when riding a motorcycle. Like with jackets, motorcycle pants are made out of lots of different materials, including leather, denim, and flexible, man-made fabrics. Some motorcycle pants will even have padding in key areas to better protect you against abrasions, bruises, and road rash.

Boots

Protecting your feet is also important when riding a motorcycle. There are various models of motorcycle boots, some of which have a steel-toe design that can better protect against hard impacts. That could come in handy if an errant motor vehicle ever brushes up against your leg or foot when you are on the road.

Pads

Many modern motorcycle jackets and pants have reinforced padding in key areas. This can help to prevent injuries, but, like all safety measures, its usefulness only works until certain thresholds are met, at which point they can no longer offer protection. It can be a good idea to wear padded jackets, pants, and gloves, but it is in no way a requirement.

Elbow and Knee Guards

Some motorcyclists will opt to wear external elbow and knee pads when riding. They will wear these pads for the same reason that skateboarders do; they protect your elbows and knees in the event of a hard impact. A broken or injured elbow or knee can be extremely painful and difficult to treat, so it may be a good idea to invest in external, detachable pads. This also has the benefit of being able to be removed as you desire, unlike jackets, which have in-built pads that you may be stuck with.

Talk to a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

Law4Hogs has motorcycle accident lawyers ready to help you with your case when you call us at 1-800-529-4464.