Page 5 - Motorcycle Safety Guide
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Helmet snugly, and is fastened for the ride. In choosing a helmet
This is the most important piece of look for the DOT or EU Standards label on the helmet.
These labels constitutes the manufacturer’s certification
equipment. Safety helmets save lives by that the helmet conforms to the high standards and
reducing the extent of head injuries in the quality control. The use of a helmet in South Africa is
event of a crash. Many good helmets are required by law, passengers should also wear helmets.
available. Make sure it fits comfortably and
A helmet must cover the side and back of the head
After completing a motorcycle down to below the ears at least or it is illegal.
training course, practice before
going out on the street. Eye Protection
Since many motorcycles don’t have windshields,
Depending on what type
of bike you have, find an riders must protect their eyes against insects, dirt,
off-highway area or vacant rocks, or other airborne matter. Even the wind can
parking lot and practice until cause the eyes to tear and blur vision, and good
use of all controls becomes vision is imperative when riding. Choose good quality
automatic and you become goggles, glasses with plastic or safety lenses, or a
thoroughly accustomed to helmet equipped with a face shield. Goggles, glasses,
requirements for balance, and face shields should be scratch-free, shatterproof,
making turns, stopping, and and well ventilated to prevent fog buildup. Only clear
shifting. shields should be used at night since tinted shields
reduce contrast and make it more difficult to see. Even
BEFORE RIDING IN if your motorcycle has a windshield, eye protection is
THE STREET recommended.
Ear Protection
Rule of the thumb is that anything over 65db for
more than just a couple of minutes will begin to tear
away at your hearing ability. Most riders have already
had plenty of this battering and many are already 25%
deaf or worse just from everyday life on the road. The
solution is simple; get a pair of the Moto-Ear Hearing
Protection sets which is custom-made and moulded
to each ear for ultimate comfort and can be tuned at
specific levels of noise management.
Jackets and Trousers
Clothing worn when riding a motorcycle should
provide some measure of protection from abrasion in
the event of a spill. These should be of durable material
(e.g., special synthetic material or leather). Jackets
should have long sleeves. Trousers, unlike the Xkulcha
Biker Jeans, should not be baggy or flared at the
bottom to prevent entanglement with the chain, kick
starter, footpegs, or other protrusions on the sides of a
motorcycle.
Footwear
Proper over-the-ankle footwear affords protection
for the feet, ankles and lower parts of the legs. Leather
boots are best. Durable athletic shoes that cover the
ankles are a good second choice. Sandals, sneakers, and
similar footwear should not be used since they provide
little protection from abrasion or a crushing impact.
Avoid dangling laces that can get in the way.
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