Gear up for the Road
The Benefits of Personal Protective Gear
The Need for Safety Gear:
Most motorcycle crashes involve non-fatal injuries. In fact, there were 371 crashes in Franklin County in 2007. In 238 of those crashes the motorcyclist was injured, but did not die. Safety gear helps to protect the body from injuries like burns, scrapes and cuts in the event of a crash. Since over 60% of the motorcyclists involved in crashes last year were injured, it is important for every rider to have the safety gear they need to protect themselves.
Safety Gear Fundamentals:
Good safety gear provides protection from changing weather and possible crashes.
Choosing the right riding gear is as important in creating the best riding experience as choosing the right motorcycle. The gear you wear can make riding safer, more comfortable reduce rider fatigue and help you manage the daily challenges of riding,
Gearing up is about more than just the look. Safety gear can provide comfort, make you more visible to drivers and help reduce injuries in the event of a crash. Most high paced sports and activities require protective gear… motorcycling is no exception! (Source: Harley Davidson)
Every rider and passenger should wear personal safety gear including: sturdy over the ankle footwear with non-slip soles, long pants, a good jacket, full fingered gloves, eye protection and a helmet, if desired.
· Footwear – Sturdy over the ankle footwear gives protection from stones and debris kicked up from the road and protects the ankles from tailpipe burns and injury in the event of a crash. Boots with rubber soles give a strong grip on the pavement and help keep your feet on the pegs.
· Pants – Motorcycle pants are cut to fit comfortably and will not get tangled in the motorcycle while sitting in the riding position. Pants made of sturdy leather or denim help protect the legs against burns, scrapes, and cuts in the event of a crash.
· Jacket – Motorcycle jackets are made to protect riders from wind. Jackets with zippers, snug cuffs and waists keep air from blowing into the jacket. Jackets made of sturdy material like leather, denim, and corduroy help protect the body from burns, scrapes, and cuts in the event of a crash.
· Gloves – Full fingered gloves protect the hands from wind, sun, heat, and cold. Motorcycle gloves are made with the seams on the outside to fit comfortably and are curved for a natural grip around the handlebars.
· Eye protection – Riding with bare eyeballs is a gamble. Your eyes are precious, and it does not take much to injure one. Proper eye protection includes an approved shield on your helmet, a pair of goggles, or shatterproof glasses. Goggles and face shields protect the eyes from debris and high winds that dry eyes and blur vision.
· Helmets – protect the head and brain in the event of a crash and added comfort for the ride. When choosing a helmet, it is important to choose a safe helmet. If you do choose to wear a helmet, here’s what to look for:
If you do drop your helmet onto a hard surface, or it receives a heavy blow, it is probably time to buy a new one. A motorcycle helmet is designed to absorb the impact of a blow, and a helmet should only do that once. If in doubt, get a new one.
To learn more about what Franklin County Safe Communities is doing to make the roads safer for motorcycles visit www.fcsafecommunities.com
The Real Deal on Drinking and Riding in Ohio
Drinking and riding in Ohio
In 2006, more motorcyclists rode with illegal blood alcohol levels (BAC level of .08 g/DLor higher) than any other type of motor vehicle operator. (Source: NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts 2006)
In 2005, 158 motorcycle riders died in crashes in the state of Ohio alone. Alcohol was involved in nearly half of those crashes. Those 158 people who will never ride again. Half of those deaths could have been prevented. The choice is simple. Ride Straight. Don’t drink and ride. (Source: Ohio State Patrol)
In 2005, 43% of motorcycle riders killed in crashes had a BAC over .01, the lowest level on the BAC chart. (Source: Ohio State Patrol)
Alcohol and Your Ability to Ride
You are 5 times more likely to crash if you have any alcohol in your body at all. (Source: Ride Straight AMA)
Most motorcyclists agree that it takes more coordination and alertness to ride a motorcycle than to drive a car.
Riding a motorcycle takes skill, coordination, balance and, most important, good judgment. Alcohol, more than any other single factor, can rob you of your ability to think clearly and ride safely — even after just one drink. One 12oz beer is just as strong as a 1oz shot of whiskey or a 5oz glass of wine. (Source: Ride Straight AMA)
When you drink alcohol, it gets into your blood very quickly. In a matter of minutes, the alcohol from one drink can travel all through your body and affect your brain.
Alcohol is a depressant. It makes you feel relaxed and weakens your judgment and coordination, the two most important skills for riding. Whatever you do, you do not do it as well after you drink. (Source: North Carolina DOT)
