When you ride a motorcycle, it’s important to make sure you’re decked out in all the safest gear you can be. While you’ve certainly heard about the importance of helmets, gloves, boots and eye protection, these pieces of motorcycle safety equipment might take you by surprise:
Motorcycle Airbag Jackets
Just like the name would imply, a motorcycle airbag jacket is just that – a jacket motorcyclists wear that has an airbag built right in. Here’s how most airbag jackets work.
The airbag jacket has two cables and a cartridge of CO2 built in. One of the cables is connected to the motorcycle. In the event of a crash, if the motorcyclist is thrown from the bike, the cable will separate, and in turn, activate the CO2. As a result, the jacket will inflate. The inflation is incredibly quick – full inflation occurs in a period ranging from 100 to 300 milliseconds.
Other, more high-tech airbag jackets do not require any cables or connections. Instead, these jackets are entirely self-contained and operate on the basis of sensors within the jackets that are kept close to the body. If a loss of control or a fall is sensed, the jacket will inflate. These jackets are extremely quick to inflate, filling in fewer than 60 milliseconds.
Motorcycle Smart Helmets
One of the most dangerous aspects of riding a motorcycle is distractions, particularly handheld distracters like cell phones and GPS devices. New smart helmets that are being developed would eliminate the need for handheld devices entirely. These helmets come equipped with Bluetooth headsets, microphones, music and voice connectivity abilities, and can connect to smartphones and GPSs. These helmets also can give their riders warnings. For example, if a sharp turn is up ahead, the helmets can provide riders with information about the upcoming turn, warning them to slow down. Maps and other data would also be directly displayed in motorcyclists’ face shields.
Other Motorcycle Safety Musts
The two pieces of motorcycle safety equipment mentioned above are certainly cool. However, the most important piece of safety equipment for a motorcyclist to invest in -- “smart” or not -- is a helmet. You can learn all about how to fit a motorcycle helmet and the truth about motorcycle helmet certification on our blog.
If you are ever involved in a motorcycle crash, we hope your injuries aren’t serious. But if you are injured, you’ll need an advocate to represent you. Call Walker, Billingsley & Bair today at (888) 435-9886 or contact us online.