Motorcycle, Scooter & ATV Safety Gear

By: Laura Woods Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Do you remember when cars didn’t have airbags? Are you old enough to remember when they didn’t even have seat belts? Since its inception, the auto industry has done research and gathered statistics revealing that safety gear in a car saves lives. And vehicles are manufactured today with more safety features than ever before. The motorcycle industry has similar research showing that safety gear on a motorcycle also saves lives. It’s true of 4-wheelers, scooters and ATVs as well. For complete protection from injury and possibly even death, every rider should be covered from head to toe with appropriate, DOT-approved safety gear.

Safety begins with the helmet. Even if your state doesn’t require a motorcycle or ATV helmet, be smarter than the average rider – be smarter than your legislators - and ride with a helmet. To begin, choose a helmet that fits. First, the style must fit your use. Manufacturers make specific models for Motocross, which differ distinctly from cruising helmets. Offroad gear is different from street gear. The style and color must also fit your personality, your personal choices. Manufacturers today make both adult and youth-size helmets in a vast array of colors and designs for both men and women, boys and girls. But the most important aspect is how it fits your head.

Helmet manufacturers publish Size Charts which will give you the exact measurements of the inside of the helmet. Take time to measure your head, and be selective in choosing a helmet that is either oblong or round, depending on the shape of your head. Be picky, as you are about to make a sizable investment in a helmet which should last you for several years.

But your head is not the only body part which needs protection on a motorcycle, scooter or ATV. You need to adequately cover your arms, your legs, your hands, your feet and your torso. And you can find everything from textile jackets, pants and gloves to leather jackets, pants and gloves. Buy the protection you need for the activity you are participating in. For example, if you are racing motocross, you need a jersey and pants, you need the boots specifically made for motocross, you need gloves, goggles and body armor of some sort to protect your torso. You might also consider an ankle brace, elbow and knee guards and a shoulder brace. For the more casual street rider, a leather jacket and chaps might suffice, with some good leather boots and gloves. In many parts of the country, tall leather boots are a MUST to protect riders from snakes sunning themselves on the warm pavement.

If your helmet does not have a visor, be sure to invest in a good pair of goggles or glasses, which cut down on wind and bugs in your eyes, keeping your vision clear. Gloves are an essential item for all riders, as the first thing we tend to do when falling is put our hand out to catch ourselves. Dirt, gravel and rocks are hard to wash out of road rash on your hands, arms, legs and face.

If you are an offroad rider, you will need gear to protect you from the trees and brush that you come into contact with. Leather is recommended for offroad gear because textile clothing might tear or become damaged by tree limbs. And hand-guards are available which attach to ATV handlebars.

Vented riding gear is a must for those of you who are on your bikes for long periods of time. Invest in vented pants and jacket - it’s cooler, it helps to maintain a comfortable body temperature, and it allows you to ride for longer periods without having to stop and rest. For those of you who are on your bikes or ATVs for long periods of time, you might also consider a hydration system to keep yourself hydrated. If you are exploring a new area, consider using a GPS unit to keep from getting lost.

Automobiles are safer today than ever, and protective gear for your motorcycle, scooter and ATV is better engineered and more readily available than ever before. The decision to use this safety equipment lies with you, though – will you choose to ride safely and responsibly?

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Laura Woods www.MotorcycleAccessoriesUnlimited.com Your online resource for motorcycle, ATV and scooter gear and accessories at less-than-retail pricing!