The Basics of Motorcycle Safety Gear while riding in Pensacola

With its beautiful weather and wide-open roads, Florida is exceptionally popular among motorcyclists. However, along with popularity comes danger. Motorcyclists are highly at risk on the roadways due primarily to their narrow profile and lack of real protection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2017:

• 5,172 motorcyclists were killed in the U.S.
• 4,885 deaths were riders, and 287 were passengers.
• 65% of motorcycle fatalities did not occur at intersections.
• 58% of motorcycle fatalities occurred during the day.
• 97% of motorcycle fatalities occurred in clear conditions.
• 28% of motorcycle fatalities were alcohol-related
• Florida was the state with the most motorcycle deaths, at 550 people.

These statistics highlight the fact that motorcycle accidents are deadly. They can happen under normal driving conditions, and they occur most often in the state of Florida. Given the number of drivers in Miami, it is particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Pensacola, contact the Pensacola Motorcycle accident lawyers at Searcy Denney for help.

The Basic Safety Gear

The very basic of safety gear should be worn at all times and include:

• Helmets. There are various helmets available, such as full-face, open face, and skull caps. According to the NHTSA, riders wearing a helmet have a 37 percent better chance of surviving a crash than riders without helmets. Helmets also protect from the wind, sun, debris, and bugs. Your helmet should be DOT-approved and fit snugly yet comfortably.

• Eye Protection. You don’t need additional eye protection if you wear a full-face helmet. With an open face helmet or skull cap, always wear glasses or goggles to protect your eyes. Your eye protection should provide UV protection and be made of shatter-resistant materials. Keep an extra pair handy just in case.

• Jacket. When choosing a riding jacket, consider weather conditions and how you sit when riding. Make sure your jacket is made out of a material that will provide abrasion protection in an accident. Thick leather and kevlar are sturdier than other types of materials and offer better protection. Although black is the classic, consider bright colors to provide superior visibility.

• Gloves. Winter gloves should be thicker and insulated to protect hands from the cold. In any weather, gloves help protect your hands and wrists from rocks and bugs, as well as offering protection in case of an accident. You may want to have summer and winter gloves if you live in an area with changing climates.

• Pants. Regarding riding pants or leathers, the key is protection. Leather, Kevlar, and other synthetic materials used in pants explicitly designed for motorcycle riding will protect you best in case of an accident. 

• Boots. Boots should be tall enough to cover the ankles. They should also have low heels and non-skid soles to grip the pavement and the footpegs. Boots offer protection from debris flying up off the road and burns from hot pipes. 

• Rain Gear Handy in the Event of Inclement Weather. Keep rain gear handy in case the weather turns bad. Rain gear should be compact, comfortable, and easy to put on and take off. 

Contact the Pensacola Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for More Information

Motorcycle riding is exceptionally popular in Florida but can also be very dangerous. The proper gear can save your life. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact the Pensacola accident lawyers at Searcy Denney. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. If you need our help, contact us online today.