There's nothing better than opening the throttle and taking off in your motorcycle. Yet, feeling the wind in your face — as fun as it sounds — is a clear signal of the exposure risks all bikers face. If you don't protect yourself, then flying down the highway could instantly turn from a fun experience to a tragic accident.
Your motorcycle insurance might contain medical payments insurance if you do get hurt. However, avoiding accidents in the first place puts you in a much less-risky position as a biker. A commitment to safety might help you in a variety of ways.
The Risks Of Speed And Exposure
Feeling the air of the open road around you means one thing: Your motorcycle does not have sides or insulation. Therefore, the biker faces exposure to the road in ways that standard vehicle drivers do not. In the event of a wreck, for example, the rider has almost no protection from the force of the impact.
The biker also usually faces considerable exposure risks from the surrounding environment. Riding in the rain, heat or even in pristine conditions might cause the biker harm. They might face burns, frostbite, or even impact risks from flying debris. Such accidents could become costly, painful and even deadly in the worst cases.
Upper Body Protection Is Key
The body parts that are most at risk on your bike are your head and upper torso. You usually need the most protective gear in these areas, for good reason.
Think about it. Your upper body contains some of your most sensitive body parts. These include:
- Your breathing and swallowing tracts
- Critical blood vessels and spinal nerves
- Your brain
- Your eyes
Injury to any of these systems could cause permanent, irreversible harm. Thus, safety gear is one of the best things you can use to protect yourself.
- Most states require some or all bikers to wear helmets. Missouri is one of the states that require all drivers to wear a helmet. If you wear one on your regular bike, you should wear one on your motorcycle.
- Eyewear is another critical upper body safeguard. Most helmets will contain built in eye shields. However, other bikers choose to wear separate goggles or sunglasses.
- Many bikers wear face or neck shields. These come in many forms, from hoods to built-in helmet masks. They can protect you from a variety of hazards — such as sunburn, chapping, frostbite, toxic inhalation and even the accidental swallowing of insects.
Do whatever you can to protect yourself when you are riding your motorcycle. You won't have to worry about injury risks. Instead, you'll be able to enjoy the road.
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