A 43-year-old man from San Pedro, Leonard Fell, was recently killed when he rode his 1997 Honda motorcycle at a high speed into a pole. California Highway Patrol’s report says there is no explanation why Fell lost control of his motorcycle, swerved into the center median and smashed into the metal pole of an overhead sign. State police reported that Fell was wearing a helmet.

Although studies show that wearing proper motorcycle safety gear can reduce the seriousness of motorcycle accident injuries, some collisions cause a force of impact that are just too severe to survive. To have the greatest chance of avoiding serious injury, it is important to wear the proper motorcycle gear on every ride.  You need to wear protective clothing; face, eye and ear protection; and a helmet that meets federal safety guidelines.

Protective clothing

Motorcycle clothing is more than black leather with the Harley-Davidson logo on the back. It should be comfortable and protect you from cold, heat and debris. Wear proper clothing that guards you from the hot moving motorcycle parts. Make sure your arms and legs are completely covered. In addition, wear boots protect your feet and gloves to provide your hands with a secure grip. Truth be told, leather is one of the best materials to be used for clothing as it is sturdy and comfortable.

Face, eye and ear protection

A face shield is better than goggles because it protects the entire face in a collision. A full-face shield also protects you from dirt, insects, rain, wind and pebbles that may distract you from the road and other motorists. The right eyewear or face shield should be:

• Free from scratches
• Resistant to punctures
• Able to fasten securely
• Spacious enough for glasses or sunglasses to fit underneath
• Free of vision obstruction, allowing a wide and open view
• Breathable, permitting air flow to avoid fogging

A helmet that satisfies federal safety regulations

There are three varieties of helmets to purchase:  a half shell, three quarters or a full-face. Although the full-face provides the most protection, the important factor is that the helmet has a sticker showing certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Equally important is to wear your helmet securely fastened when riding.

If you have suffered injury from a motorcycle accident and believe that you are entitled to compensation, schedule a meeting with an experienced San Diego motorcycle attorney.