It is not a secret that operating a motorcycle is more dangerous than operating a traditional passenger vehicle. Given that motorcyclists have far fewer protections, it is unsurprising that the rate of fatality is much higher on a motorcycle as compared to a car.
However, there are certain steps you can take to ensure you are as safe as possible while enjoying a motorcycle ride. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, you should always ride with an appropriate helmet and make sure that you have appropriate protection for the rest of your body as well.
The best type of helmet
Always ensure that any helmet you wear on a motorcycle has a sticker indicating that it meets the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. Some motorcycle helmets also come with labels from Snell and ANSI, indicating that these non-profits also approve of the helmet.
While there are many varieties of helmets to choose from depending on your preference, ensuring that it has the DOT sticker ensures that you are getting the best protection.
Appropriate body protection
Everybody on the motorcycle, including the passenger, should cover their arms and legs completely in denim, thick leather or appropriate textiles. They should also wear boots that are at least ankle-high.
Finally, while the traditional color of motorcyclists may be black, wearing bright colors helps ensure that other motorists on the road can see you. In many accidents involving motorcycles and regular passenger vehicles, the operator of the passenger vehicle claims to have not seen the motorcyclist. Being visible can mean the difference between riding home alive or not.
