You can never be too safe on the road, especially if you’re driving a motorcycle. Apart from being exposed to the elements, there’s less protection when you’re involved in a crash. The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) shows that over 5,286 Americans lost their lives in a motorcycle crash in 2016. This is a 5.1% increase from 2015’s fatalities of about 5,029. The NHSTA also added that motorcycle deaths were about 28 times more frequent than deaths from other vehicles, based on 2016 data.
As a rider, you should take every precaution to make sure you’re protected. You should have the right motorcycle insurance and the best equipment. And while helmets saved the lives of 1,859 riders in 2016, you should invest in gear that protects other parts of your body as well.
Here’s a list of essential motorcycle equipment to help you keep safe on the road.
Though you may think that they are purchased more for aesthetics, gloves are essential in motorcycle safety. If you ever find yourself in an accident, no matter the magnitude, breaking a fall with your bare palms on concrete or asphalt will leave you with painful gashes. There are different types of gloves you can get depending on your budget and the weather.
Gauntlet – These gloves are known for providing the best protection for your hands and wrists. They have a thick reinforcement that defends your hands from impact and scratches. They come in a variety of materials. Some high-end models may have kevlar fiber fabric or carbon fiber armor. Because of their girth, however, it might be a challenge to adapt to driving with them if you’re used to thin gloves or to not using any glove at all.
Motocross/Dirt Bike Gloves – If you’re looking for a more natural fit and grip, a pair of dirt bike gloves would fit you perfectly. They’re not as tough as gauntlets, but they should provide enough defense against palm and knuckle scratches. They are easier to put on and take off than gauntlets.
Classic Leather – Leather gloves are a stylish but practical way of saving your hands from injuries during that long drive from Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL. Modern versions of these have knuckle and palm pads that offer ample protection. They also come in different materials such as cowhide, sheepskin, and goatskin.
While knuckle and palm cushioning are number one when it comes to picking your glove of choice, fingers should be a priority as well. Shy away from fingerless gloves. They may seem more breathable, but they’re not worth the reduced protection. If you want something that keeps you cool for the warm weather, opt for leather cruising gloves instead.
A durable jacket and pair of pants are a no-brainer when you’re shopping for gear, but you should never overlook the importance of elbow and knee pads. A lightweight pair of guards with protective shells and foam pads is enough to keep you safe on the road without feeling bulky. If you have the extra cash, get yourself some back armor as well so you’re protected from head to toe.
Your feet are also at risk of serious injuries when you’re on your bike. This is why you should keep your sneakers and flip-flops in the bag and get a pair of motorcycle boots. Like gloves, they also come in armored and timeless leather. Some of them even have tactical designs that have reinforced toe protection. A pair of leather motorcycle boots should serve you well. They have thick soles and strong, low-maintenance materials that are more than enough to keep your stompers guarded against nasty scars.
You’ll have to shell out a bit of cash for equipment, though, and you need more time in the morning to get ready. Protective gear may also be expensive, but you can never put a price on safety.
Apart from the right equipment, a good motorcycle insurance policy is essential in keeping your travels safe. Here at Oxford Auto Insurance, we offer low-cost motorcycle insurance that may have comprehensive coverage, increased liability limits, and even roadside assistance plans. We have decades of experience in providing affordable auto insurance in Chicago, and we’re always striving to give the best service for our customers.
Contact us today to get the motorcycle insurance you need.
On April 8th, a car in Montgomery, Alabama gave a new meaning to the phrase “drive-thru” as it crashed into a restaurant’s dining room. According to the police, the driver of the SUV mistakenly accelerated, causing it to crash into the restaurant’s wall.
While there were no reported injuries, there were damages sustained by the vehicle, and of course, the restaurant. When accidents like this happen in Chicago, having adequate auto insurance comes in handy.
Many drivers worry about being underinsured, as they should. However, being over-insured can be a problem, too. This means you’re paying high premiums every month, a portion of which is for coverage you won’t likely use.
Let’s be clear: it’s better for your car to be over-insured than underinsured. If your car is underinsured and you get into a collision with another vehicle full of passengers who have sustained injuries, you’re liable for thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Being underinsured and having to pay for such damages can be financially crippling.
If you’re over-insured, you’re likely to have more coverage, even for circumstances you didn’t think would happen. The downside, though, is that the monthly premiums that you’re paying are likely to be too high.
In the state of Illinois, you’re required to carry at least $25,000 worth of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $20,000 worth of property damage liability coverage.
If, for example, you’re paying for $300,000 worth of bodily injury coverage and $250,000 worth of property damage coverage, you’re paying way too much.
However, you should still consider the following:
While being over-insured has both advantages and disadvantages, whether it’s a good idea for you depends on your lifestyle and financial situation. If you can afford to pay damages out of pocket, you may be able to get by paying for the minimum insurance coverage.
Then again, you may find paying for higher monthly premiums that cover more damages a better option. Compared to out of pocket costs, this alternative could prove way more affordable, after all.
For more reliable car insurance information and tips, visit Oxford Auto Insurance today.
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