In a motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle, the rider will almost always suffer the worst injuries. Unlike a car or truck, the rider has no safety features built into the vehicle to shield them from devastating injuries. From seat belts and airbags to crumple zones and support columns, drivers of cars and trucks are protected on all sides.
Unfortunately, a rider is generally only shielded by a layer of heavy clothing and protective gear, such as:
- Helmet: Many riders select a helmet based on style or fashion, but it is always wise to wear a full-coverage helmet. The full-face helmet with a visor for eye protection offers the best chance to reduce serious head trauma in a motor vehicle collision. Without a helmet, a rider could suffer traumatic brain injuries that could lead to both structural damage and functional impairment.
- Boots: It’s hard to ignore the convenience of hopping on a motorcycle to complete short errands or a fast commute to work. It is crucial, however, that riders take the time to gear up. This includes protective footwear. Riders should wear boots with thick rubber soles and heavy material that covers their ankles and provides protection from road rash and deep lacerations.
- Gloves and jackets: A rider’s upper body will often take the brunt of trauma during the motor vehicle crash. From colliding with cars or stationary structures to falling to the pavement, a rider will typically attempt brace themselves with a hand, forearm or shoulder. Thick leather clothing can provide some protection from impact injuries including road rash.
- Pants: Riders should select heavy pants with damage-resistant armor. Along with heavy boots made of thick rubber and leather, the rider’s lower body can be shielded from road rash, lacerations and many torsion injuries.
Riders often suffer severe injuries in a vehicle collision. With no physical protection offered by the motorcycle itself, riders must rely on heavy protective gear to minimize their exposure to catastrophic injuries including broken bones, lacerations, road rash and ligament damage.