Safety first. It’s a phrase that’s stated for all kinds of scenarios and situations. But for motorcyclists, that phrase is not to be taken lightly. Riding at high speeds up against cars is no joke. It is so easy for car drivers to miss motorcycles in their peripherals. And in the contest of a big steel box versus a bike, there is a clear winner.

But, there are precautions and steps you can take to keep yourself safe on the road. While safe riding practices are always the most effective way to stay out of harm’s way, you can’t predict what other drivers will do.

This is where the motorcycle gear comes in. As riders, we all know the essential gear we need for riding. And while any gear is better than none, there is some gear that will do better than others when it comes to keeping you safe.

Keep reading to find out the best motorcycle safety items that you should have before hitting the road.

The Basic Gear

Helmet

This is safety 101 for motorcyclists. But to be completely safe on the road, you are going to need to invest in a full helmet.

While ¾ or half helmets are better than nothing, a full helmet offers face protection and better protection at the base of your head. Be sure to make sure your helmet is comfortable and fits correctly so it can function properly.

Jacket

Jackets are also a must-have for motorcyclists. Think about the type of riding you will be doing when considering your jacket and the features you will need. There are different materials, such as textile or leather, that have different advantages.

There are many safety features in jackets now, including: bright coloring, reflective panels, weather protection, and body armor. As a good rule-of-thumb, you want to invest in the most high-quality jacket that you can afford.

Pants

It’s a common misconception that jeans are acceptable riding pants. Most of these riders learn the hard way that jeans will tear right up if you are in an accident.

Similar to jackets, motorcycle pants are available in textile and leather, with armor options available. You can also go the extra mile and get pants that will zip to your jacket to allow for full body coverage. Again, consider the circumstances of when and where you will be riding most to help you decide.

Boots

Boots provide essential support on and off the road. They are protection for your ankles, legs, and feet while supporting the weight of your bike in unpredictable surface conditions when the engine is off. For riding, you will also want to find boots with soles that prevent ankle twisting. You will want something stiff, sturdy, and firm on the ground. Laces can also be hazardous when riding. Either find boots that lace above the ankle or invest in an alternative like Velcro or buckles.

The Next Step

Eye Protection

Even if you have a full face helmet, you can invest in protective eye gear that will further cover you in a crash. There are options that have impact protection and will also protect you debris without compromising your vision. Tinted options are recommended as well because while sunglasses will help again the sun, they will not protect you in a crash.

Gloves

Gloves are another item that tend to be forgotten by riders but are really essential for safety. Your hands are usually the first line of defense for your body when its falling, so they will hit the ground hard in an accident. Again, there are leather and textile options with extra padding available for safety. Be sure to choose gloves that are snug but still allow you to maneuver and drive properly.

Armor

You can always add to the padding in your riding jacking by adding a layer of armor. You can choose from an armored vest, a back protector, or even an airbag system like you would find in cars. While extra armor is a great safety measure, make sure it fits snugly and properly with your other safety gear so you can ride comfortably.

Ear protection

The inside of a motor helmet can get loud. And you might not feel it at first, but it takes a toll on your ears during a long motorcycle ride. These ear plugs don’t need to be expensive or fancy. Just standard quality drug store earplugs will help block the harmful noise of riding, without compromising your sense of hearing.