1. Protective gear have the following utilitarian purposes including but not limited to:
 
    a. Comfort. (comfortable riding gear suitable for hot or cold temperature while riding.)
 
    b. Increasing visibility (provides added safety by allowing traffic and vehicles to be
        able to see you).
 
    c.  Protection. (In case of crashes or falls, you’ll be more protected than not having
        on anything.  From impact and friction.)  All riders should wear over the ankle
        footwear with non-slip soles.  Long pants, a good jacket, full fingered gloves, and
        a helmet that meets DOT and/or SNELL certification.

Helmets

1. Helmets are designed to protect your skull and head from impact.  Head injury is the
    number 1 reason for injury or death during a motorcycle accident.
 
2. Some myths about motorcycle helmets include crazy ideas like:
 
    a. Helmets cause neck injury
 
    b. Helmets block your vision during riding
 
    c. Helmets impair your hearing
 
3. Helmet effectiveness is a fact and have been conclusively researched.  Always wear a
    helmet when riding.

Helmet Construction

1. DOT approved helmets have the following basic components that work together to
    prevent head injury.
 
    a. Outer Shell ( the hard exterior)
 
    b. An impact absorbing liner (the material that takes most of the abuse during a
        crash)
 
    c. Comfort padding (to help your head feel more comfortable in the helmet)
 
    d. A retention system (to keep the helmet attached to your head)
 
2. The outer shell is often made of fiberglass, molded plastic, or polycarbonate
    composites.
 
    a. The outer shell is designed to keep sharp or hard objects from penetrating into
        your head.
 
    b. The out shell is designed to deform in order to take most of the impact force, in
        lieu of your head.
 
    c.  Helmet impact damage may be invisible.  So whenever you have been in a crash,
        the helmet should be replaced in order to ensure maximum protection in your
        next crash.
 
    d. The liner is usually made of impact absorbing polystyrene.  It is a dense layer that
        cushions and absorbs shock.  It works in conjunction with the outer shell.  Together
        they spread the impact on your head throughout the helmet.  The force that can
        be evenly absorbed and spread out, the less damage will be done to your head.
 
    e. The comfort padding is the soft foam and cloth layer that sits in between your
        head and the liner.  It helps maintain comfort and fit.  In most helmets, this
        padding can be removed and cleaned and/or replaced.
 
     f. The retention system is most commonly a chinstrap with D-rings.  It helps keep
        the helmet on your helmet in the event of a crash

Choosing a Helmet

1. Protection should be the first consideration when selecting a motorcycle helmet.
 
2. Types of helmets:
 
    a. Full face helmet (provides the most complete protection).  It protects the entire
        head, especially the face and chin area.  During most head injuries, the face and
        chin were most affected.  Thus having a full face helmet is almost a MUST.  Full
        face motorcycle helmets have a shield and protects the eyes very well.
 
    b. a 3/4 (three quarter) or open face helmet also offers some protection.  The 3/4
        helmet does not offer face and chin protection.  When wearing an open face
        helmet, you should wear a pair of snap on face shields or goggles.  Sunglasses
        are insufficient.  They could shatter, fall off, or worse, the pieces may shatter into
        your eyes.  Sunglasses also does not prevent particles from entering into your
        eyes.
 
     c. Consider buying a brightly colored helmet so that traffic and vehicles can easily
         spot you.
 
     d. Always buy a helmet with the DOT (department of transportation) and/or SNELL
         certification.  This means that the helmet has passed tests to ensure safety.
 
3. Head injury accounts for the bulk of all bike accidents.  Studies have shown that riders
    who crash without a helmet is five times (5X) more likely to suffer a serious head
    injury.
 
4. When riding your motorcycle in the open road, consider the annoyance of rocks,
    pebbles, insects and other small flying objects that may hit your head, eyes and
    face. Wearing a full face helmet gives you the most protection against these flying
    objects.

Face Shields

1. Face shields protect your face and eyes. 
 
2. Some are attached to your helmet, and others allow you to be able to flip them up
    and/or off. 
 
3. Face shields should be impact resistant and free from scratches.  Scratches can cause
    blur and refract the light.
 
4. You may wear tinted face shields in the day.  Clear face shields in the dark.

Goggles

1. Goggles provide excellent eye protection, but no face protection.
 
2. Goggles may impede peripheral vision.
 
3. Goggles should be worn over the helmet and securely fastened.
 
4. Wear clear goggles during the night.



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