How Can Motorcyclists Help to Avoid Injuries?
There can be little doubt that motorcyclists routinely wearing full-face helmets has saved motorsports from many more serious injuries than would otherwise be the case. The fact is that helmets and visors make a bigger contribution to rider safety than just about any measure. Beyond this very noticeable form of personal protection, what should riders of all types be considering when they ride to help keep them better safeguarded with less risk of injury if an accident were to occur? Read on to find out.
Joint Supports
Ankles, shoulders and wrists are the common joints to suffer injuries when on the bike. Even collisions that occur at relatively low speeds can lead to joints being overstretched or even crushed, as can happen with a side impact on the lower leg. This is why so many bikers choose to wear ankle supports routinely under their leathers. Doing so helps to protect the joint from collisions while still allowing for free movement, something that every motorcyclist knows they need. Good ankle protectors will keep the joint in place over long-distance rides, too, so they’re often worn not only to help prevent injuries but to maintain safety when touring, as well. Bear in mind that although ankles need particular protection, even with good quality biker boots, other supports can also be beneficial, especially on track days when higher speeds are likely to be reached.
Road Rash Countermeasures
Bikers know about the dangers of road rash in a way that other motorists simply do not. After all, car accident injury recovery rarely involves skin repair but it can be a big feature of getting over a collision among motorcyclists. Abrasion-resistant clothing is the key to protecting your skin. Jeans and a T-shirt simply won’t offer anything close to protection, even at modest speeds. Leathers are popular, of course, but modern textiles also offer motorcyclists a range of different looks while still affording a high degree of protection for the skin. When purchasing motorcycle gloves, look for those fitted with palm sliders, one of the parts of the body that can suffer the most from road rash.
Internal Injury Protections
With joints, skin and the head protected, motorcyclist should also consider their inner body, notably the organs. In this regard, it is worth finding out more about how motorbike airbag vests work. Designed to have a low profile when they’re being worn, the inflate only when necessary to offer rider protection against heavy impacts. By cushioning the blow, they can help to prevent what would otherwise result in potentially serious internal injuries. Like car airbags, airbag vests detect a sudden drop in speed and deploy within a fraction of a second. As they’re worn, they are just as good for pillion passengers as they are for solo riders.
Conclusion
In the end, all motorcyclists have to take responsibility for their safety. Wearing technology designed to assist in the event of an accident doesn’t mean you can ride without a care in the world. That said, with modern support and safety designs, protecting yourself from injury has never been easier.
