While it is very true that riding a motorcycle in Oregon is a joy, it is also true that getting in the saddle of a motorcycle is dangerous. You are much more likely to be struck and in a fatal accident on a motorcycle as compared to a four-wheeled vehicle, whether you are the driver or the passenger. That is why it is important to do everything in your power to avoid a motorcycle accident. According to State Farm Insurance, wearing proper gear is absolutely vital to staying safe.
By “wearing proper gear,” we mean wearing more than just a helmet. A helmet is of course a necessity, but if you are wearing a helmet alongside short sleeves, shorts, and flip-flops, you are putting yourself at unnecessary risk for injury. In addition to wearing a helmet, motorcycle operators and passengers should also be wearing either leather or textile jackets, thick riding pants, and boots. Depending on the weather, you may also wish to wear gloves and layers. Remember that you do not have temperature control on the back of a motorcycle, and having fingers that cannot operate the throttle or the break due to cold is a major liability.
In addition to wearing the proper gear, make sure that the gear is the proper color. We know: you are thinking that the proper color is black, but black is actually the worst color you could be wearing on a motorcycle. When accidents involving four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles happen, the operator of the four-wheeled vehicle often says that he or she did not see the motorcyclist. You will have a greater chance of being seen if you are wearing brighter colors along with reflective material.