Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable users of the road since together with cyclists and pedestrians they account for 46% of those killed in traffic accidents. Therefore, the absence of bodywork on motorcycles and mopeds must be compensated with equipment specially designed and adapted to protect these users. Having approved protective equipment (gloves, pants, boots, full-face helmet, jacket, or safety vest with airbag) is very important to reduce injuries, fractures, and burns to the skin and muscles.
Montserrat Pérez, the technical advisor to the Higher Traffic Council of the General Traffic Directorate (DGT), explains that the risk that a motorist has of dying is 17 times higher than the driver of a car. The figures are alarming since between 2014 and 2017 the number of motorcycle deaths has increased by 25%, more than in any other type of travel. These data have led the DGT to develop a Plan of measures to protect motorcyclists, in which one of the proposed measures is that the use of gloves is mandatory.
Below, we explain what is the perfect equipment to travel 100% safe on a motorcycle, according to the DGT, and how we should choose our approved protection equipment:
HELMET
Choosing a full-face helmet is preferable to a jet helmet, as the full face helmet ensures maximum protection by helping to reduce facial, chin, and lower jaw injuries. In addition, it reduces wind noise in the ears, prevents wind blows to the face and eyes, deflects insects and other particles, and protects even more in bad weather.
The characteristics that the helmet must meet are the following:
It must bear a clearly visible ECE approval label.
It should cover the forehead above the eyebrows.
It should not move or fall on the driver's eyes or press on the forehead.
It should not obstruct the driver's peripheral vision.
You should not press the glasses or reduce the vision of the motorcyclists wearing glasses.
It should be comfortable.
Gloves must protect the hands and wrists of motorcyclists without hindering the handling of the vehicle at any time. These mandatory garments protect from blisters, wind, sun, cold, and also help prevent cuts, bruises, and scratches in the event of a traffic accident.
There are many types of gloves, but the DGT recommends the following:
Summer: Fine gloves, made of textile or light leather, without padding and that favor air circulation.
Winter: Kevlar or leather gloves, heavier, padded, or insulating.
The Plan of measures to protect motorists from the DGT requires the use of motorcycle gloves
BOOTS
Boots are the best option for motorcycle travel, as they protect the feet, toes, and ankles. Sports shoes can be put on quickly and are very comfortable, but the slightest fall with this type of footwear can cause serious injuries.
The most resistant boots are leather ones and must meet these characteristics:
They should cover the entire foot, ankle, and bottom of the tibia.
They must be waterproof so that the feet do not get cold.
Keep in mind that boots with plastic or metal protections protect more in the event of an accident.
The most resistant pants are those that are made of kevlar or thick leather. These are the characteristics that must meet:
They should be wide enough for the driver to be comfortable but tight enough to keep the impact protectors in place.
They must be comfortable.
They must allow the rider to ride comfortably when not on the motorcycle.
To further increase safety, some models have removable protection elements and are CE approved.
JACKET
Jackets are essential in the event of an accident. When choosing a jacket or pea coat, keep in mind that safety is more important than styling. The most resistant jackets are those that are made of Kevlar or thick leather and must have the following characteristics:
They should be brightly colored to make them more visible on the road. It is advisable to use clothing with fluorescent or reflective materials since reflective garments look best at night when illuminated by car headlights and fluorescent garments look best when it rains.
They should be wide enough for the driver to be comfortable and tight enough to keep the impact protectors in place.
They can have straps to prevent them from getting out of hand.
They must go above normal clothing.
VEST WITH AIRBAG
The airbag vest fits all motorcycle jackets, although it is much more practical to wear an airbag jacket. There are two types of vest or jacket with airbag:
Those in which the airbag is mechanically fired through a cable.
Those in which the airbag is activated by radio waves.
For an airbag vest or jacket to be effective it must protect the back, neck, and abdomen; do not interfere with driving; and keep the head, neck, and trunk axis aligned to avoid whiplash. When choosing the perfect size, it is essential to measure the bust (from the neck to the tailbone) and the waist of the biker.
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