Riding a motorcycle, even if you're cautious, can be risky. There are drivers who might not be attentive, resulting in a severe accident. Depending on whether you wear motorcycle body armor or not, the outcome of the accident could vary between walking away unscathed or being hospitalized for weeks. It's essential to always wear body armor to safeguard yourself. If you're looking to buy body armor, use the following guide to ensure you have all the necessary items.
How Effective is Motorcycle Armor?
Statistics show that 72 of every 100,000 cars are involved in fatal crashes, far higher than the 13 out of 100,000 for cars. Motorcyclists are more likely to crash because of debris in the road or damage in the road, and they’re increasingly at risk because of distracted drivers, among other risks. Even if the accident is not fatal, motorcycle crashes can lead to emergency medical care and a lengthy recovery period. Wearing motorcycle armor, however, can allow a motorcyclist to walk away from a crash that otherwise might have sent them to the hospital. Body armor has been shown to protect far more effectively than jeans or other clothing, protecting the motorcyclist from both the initial impact and the abrasion caused when they slide.
The impact won’t be as hard on their body, protecting them from broken bones and internal injuries, and the armor can minimize the chance of road rash.
How to Wear Motorcycle Body Armor
Before buying any body armor, it’s important to understand the different types of motorcycle armor and how to wear them. You have a number of options to choose from, including the following.
• Armored Jackets – An armored jacket should be lightweight but should have armor at common impact points like the back, shoulders, and elbows. Many jackets have both internal and external pockets and are able to be adjusted for a better fit. These can be worn over other clothes, so they can be worn every time you ride.
• Armored Pants – Armored pants are designed to protect the hips, pelvis, and legs. Longer pants may also include protection for the knees. These pants can be worn instead of regular pants or underneath them, depending on the type you purchase.
• Knee Guards – When pants don’t protect the knees, knee guards are crucial as well. There are some knee guards that can be worn underneath your pants as well as options that are designed to be worn on the outside of other clothing, depending on your preferences.
• Armored Gloves – Armored gloves help in just about any accident, even minor ones, by protecting the hands from abrasion. Depending on the gloves, they can help protect against impacts on the hands as well. Gloves should be adjusted to fit properly for maximum protection.
Where to Buy Motorcycle Body Armor
The Verdict
No matter how much experience you have or how well you can navigate the roads, wearing protective gear is a must. There are always dangers on the road for motorcyclists, from debris in the road and items falling into the road from other vehicles to other drivers themselves. While you can’t predict when an accident will happen, wearing body armor can protect you if it does occur. Use the tips here to purchase the right body armor, so you have full protection every time you ride. It could be the difference between walking away from the crash and ending up in the hospital.
