For motorcyclists in Ohio, taking all the precautions necessary to protect yourself while riding is important for motorcycle safety. One precaution that motorcyclists can easily take is to wear important safety gear while riding to prevent or reduce injury in the event of a motorcycle crash. Here’s a list of safety gear you should never ride without.
A Helmet
A helmet is by far the most important piece of safety equipment that a motorcyclist can wear while riding. It can truly save your life in the event of a motorcycle crash. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration estimates that 1,699 motorcyclists lives were saved by helmets in 2012. An additional 781 could have been saved had all motorcyclists been wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
When choosing a helmet, make sure to choose one that fits properly, and that is U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) approved. While Ohio currently does not mandate the use of a helmet while riding – except for riders age 17 and under – wearing a helmet is strongly recommended. Not wearing a helmet could be a challenge to your motorcycle accident claim, if you file one.
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Protective Eyewear
Protective eyewear is another crucial piece of safety gear that a motorcyclist should always wear while riding, and one that can protect your eyes both in the event of a crash and even just while riding. If an accident occurs, your eyes may be exposed to dust and debris, which can cause damage the eyes. In order to make sure that your eyes are protected and that your vision is preserved, always ride while wearing protective eyewear.
Ohio requires use of eye protection unless the motorcycle has a windscreen. To add extra protection to your eyes, consider purchasing eyewear that has UV sun protection, too.
Proper Footwear
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends that all riders wear sturdy, over-the-ankle boots.
Boots are valuable for a number of reasons.
- Keep your feet on the pegs while riding
- Protect your feet from road debris
- Protect against burns from hot exhaust pipes
In the event of a crash, boots can help to protect your feet from road rash or burns, as well as cuts from broken glass or other hazards.
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Long Sleeves, Pants, and Gloves
What you wear while riding matters, especially in the event you’re in a crash. While summer can be an especially tempting time to forego long clothing and ride in shorts and a t-shirt, sturdy and breathable full-length shirts and pants are preferable while riding. In the case that a crash does happen, wearing longer clothes will help to protect your body against painful road rash, and can even provide your body with some protection against burns or debris injuries.
In addition to wearing long pants and shirts, make sure you always wear gloves, too. Not only will gloves help with your grip while riding, but they can protect your hands from the pavement/asphalt in the event that you are involved in an accident.
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What to Do if You’ve Been in a Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault and you have sustained injuries, you may be legally allowed to recover compensation by filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. At Bressman Law, our attorneys can provide you with legal information you need to recover benefits following a motorcycle accident.
In Ohio, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim for damages, according to Ohio Revised Code section 2305.10, so it’s important that you take action now. To reach our offices today, our attorneys are ready to talk at (614) 538-1116 or just use our online contact form to reach us.
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