Helmets
Helmets save lives. Period. Although only 20 states require motorcyclists of all ages to wear helmets, riders and passengers should wear them no matter where they live.
A helmet should fit snugly around your head. It should sit low on your forehead without interfering with your vision. If you choose a full-face helmet, consider one with a front vent to help prevent your visor from fogging up.
Clothing
When riding, you should wear clothes that protect your body from wind, flying insects and debris in the road. Light-colored clothing also helps other motorists to see you.
Wearing leather jackets, gloves, jeans and other protective clothing has been shown to be effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations in a collision.
Footwear
On a motorcycle, your feet and ankles are vulnerable to injuries if not properly protected. Leather boots work best. Don’t wear sandals or flip-flops.
Most common collision objects for motorcycles*
| Passenger cars: |
60% |
| Roadways: |
9% |
| Truck/SUVs/Buses: |
8.4% |
| Fixed objects: |
8% |
| Other motorcycles: |
6.9% |
| Parked vehicles: |
2.7% |
| Bikes/Pedestrians: |
2.1% |
| Animals: |
0.3% |
| Other: |
2.5% |
* Source: MAIDS Report, 2004.