Everyday, motorcyclists (bikers) risk their lives to enjoy the feeling of the ride. Years ago, this would have been fine. There would of course be the occasional motorcycle accident, but there was limited technology to distract drivers as well. One would think that in today's day and age a biker would still be fine, but the lack of a standard armor rating, legalization of lane splitting, and restriction on the size of motorcycle engines (cc), has put bikers in a danger zone of distracted drivers with no set safety cushion. These reasons make it clear that the safety of a motorcyclist is not as safe as it could be. .
First off, motorcycle gear should be an essential part of every riders kit. It is the only line of defense a biker has against any sort of crash, and they have the option of purchasing: helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. Out of those listed, the helmet must be worn in 48 of the 50 states, albeit some states require wearing it only until the rider turns 18 (Motorcycle Hel para. 1-3). All helmets worn in the USA must meet DOT standards to be classified as a motorcycle helmet (Motorcycle Helmet Saf 1). Whether a helmet passes or not is determined by taking a product and testing it, where it is dropped numerous times both with support, and without (freefalling). Furthermore, the helmet is also tested to withstand a certain amount of sudden impact, which is tested by launching a rod, which is stopped due to being contained, which hits the helmet, creating a dent that is measured (Motorcycle Helmet Saf 1). These continual tests are not carried out on any other armor, and there is not a set standard. Though armor is made, and companies adopt the European ratings for protective armor (goes inside pants/jacket), the protection it provides is limited to mainly protecting the body from slides on the road, and low speed impacts (New Study Dissects Moto 1-2). However, advanced technology is readily available to the public in the form of an airbag liner that goes inside the jacket.