Properly fitting safety gear is essential for preventing injuries in motorcycle mishaps.

Unlike passengers in an automobile, motorcyclists are not automatically (for the most part) protected by restraining systems, systems designed to prevent blunt force trauma and head injuries, systems designed to prevent abrasive injuries or even barriers against the elements. Motorcyclists wear most of those systems in the form of helmets, gloves, boots, leather and/or textile jackets and pants.

There is absolutely no evidence for any argument supporting the idea that riding motorcycles without helmets enhances safety. It does not.

Helmets must fit properly in order to perform optimally. Helmets are designed to do three things: cushion the brain against impact ( traumatic brain injury ) during a collision, shield against objects penetrating the cranium in an accident, and prevent abrasion of the face and skull.

Although the causes of brain injuries are complex, accelerations as low as the equivalent to just a few g's can produce mild concussions.



In any collision, the change in momentum p , is equal to the product of mass x velocity: p = mv) is equivalent to the product of the average force of the collision times the interval of time over which the collision occurs, a quantity knows as the (momentum,denoted, is equal to the product of mass x velocity:= mv) is equivalent to the product of the average force of the collision times the interval of time over which the collision occurs, a quantity knows as the impulse , i.e.: The average force generated in a collision is equal to the momentum change during the collision divided by the time interval ( Note: the momentum at the conclusion of the collision is generally close to zero) : Any combination of high pre-collision speed and short collision time results in a large value of F (collision force) and hence a large acceleration.

Helmets employ layers of cushioning to extend the time interval over which the collision occurs and reduce the acceleration experienced by the brain in collisions. But in order for the cushioning to work as designed the helmet must fit properly (snugly). A loose-fitting helmet results in two collisions during an impact - the second when the head impacts the cushioning in the helmet.

Helmets employ a fiberglass, polycarbonate or composite shell to protect against penetration and abrasion. Although harder, stiffer shells (fiberglass) do a better job at this, there is significant evidence that they are less effective at cushioning the brain during an impact.

There is no correlation between purchase price and effectiveness at protection among D.O.T. and Snell certified helmets. Selecting a helmet with a proper fit is more important for safety than merely obtaining an expensive helmet.



Although more expensive helmets often provide superior ventilation, better optics and less noise - all important features - they are not necessarily more protective

Motorcycle protective clothing incorporates padding to cushion against blunt force trauma and an abrasive resistant material with a low coefficient of kinetic friction against asphalt.

Leather is generally superior to textiles (especially denim) in terms of abrasion resistance. Textiles are generally more comfortable to wear and more weatherproof. Textile jackets and pants normally have extra padding or hard armor in key areas to increase abrasion protection.

Many motorcyclists wear some form of hard armor or a spine protector either incorporated into their protective clothing or underneath their clothing. Neck braces are also becoming increasingly popular.

Top grade motorcycle gloves incorporate leather, carbon fiber, Kevlar and other synthetics to provide protection without a loss of tactile sensitivity.

Top grade motorcycle boots incorporate an array of leather and synthetic materials to provide protection, comfort and stability.

