California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and Biker Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez on the road.
First off let me start off by stating that I do not advocate mandatory helmet laws or anything like that. I feel that each motorcycle rider should have the right to wear whatever they want to wear while riding. The advice I am giving in this article is just that, advice. You can and will ultimately do whatever the hell you want to do. However, if this article helps someone be safe while riding a motorcycle, then so be it.
I personally think that the two most important things you should wear while riding a motorcycle are; a good helmet, and a good leather jacket. Let me explain.
Now I know that there are other what I consider to be mandatory motorcycle safety items that should be worn, such as gloves, boots, leather or heavy jean pants, etc., however, this article is about what I consider to be the two most important safety items.
I am a California motorcycle accident attorney. I handle motorcycle accident cases, and other types of personal injury cases for a living. I also happen to be a biker and a motorcyclist who rides a significant number of miles each year on my Harley Davidson Electra Glide.
I have seen a marked increase in the number of motorcycle accidents, and a substantial increase in motorcycle deaths in the past decade. Furthermore, it has been reported by many different sources that there has been a tremendous increase in the number of motorcycle accidents and motorcycle accident deaths in recent years. I am sure these all have to do with an increase in the number of motorcycle riders on the road.
Knowing this, I can think of a couple of things I would not like to happen, god forbid if I do go down. I would like to keep the grey matter between my ears inside of my skull instead of being splattered all over the road, I would like to keep my face, and rather than having all my skin rubbed off by the pavement, I would rather a leather jacket be the one that gets the brunt of the punishment.
Look we all know that wearing a helmet is mandatory in California and some other States. I for one don’t care if there is a law or not, I wear a full face modular helmet when I ride, and I suggest that you do the same. This is not rocket science; it is about surviving a motorcycle accident. It does not take a genius to figure out what happens when your head or face meets the pavement at 70 miles per hour; the pavement wins.
There is virtually nothing better to protect your upper body from a fall than a good heavy leather jacket. If you go down, it may still hurt, but the leather will take the brunt of any road rash. They even sell lightweight armor that can be worn under the jacket or inserted into the jacket. I know, sometimes it is too hot to wear a jacket, or you want to look cool. Well it is not cool to have permanent road rash scars all over your body just because you decided not to wear the jacket, or suffering as your skin heals from road rash.
We who ride motorcycles know two things, it is not a matter of if we are going down, it is a matter of when; and we sure the hell do not want to go down. I myself have been down 3 times in the past. God was with me, all of my mishaps were minor, and I only suffered minor injuries in two of them.
I have been involved in numerous close “scary” calls while riding, and if you are a motorcycle rider, you have been too. It is just the nature of the beast.
Once at the Palm Springs Biker Rally in 2000, I was only wearing a sleeveless T-Shirt, when I went down at low speed. It hurt, and caused some minor road rash on my left side where I laid it down. That small amount of road rash hurt like hell. Imagine what losing multiple layers of skin feels like; I sure don’t want to feel that. Wear a friggen leather jacket.
You can take this article as you will. Unlike some other poser fake biker lawyers, and motorcycle accident attorney’s out there advertising that they handle motorcycle accident cases, when they don’t actually ride motorcycles, or have any clue whatsoever about the issues related to riding a motorcycle and being a biker, I am the real deal. I, just like you, am a biker and a motorcyclist.
I will be here for you if you need me after a motorcycle accident; however, I would prefer to see fewer injuries because you were smart and were wearing proper safety equipment.
By California Biker Attorney and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., ©2009
Welcome, my name is 
I agree that a Helmet and jacket are vital. Law or not, there is no reason not to where a helmet. Some argue that it isnt the same when you cant feel the wind hit your face, and to that I say it isnt the same when you have no face for the wind to hit… I was reading another article on wearing jeans vs riding pants. The study claimed something along the lines of jeans, even thick ones as you suggested, last about .3-.8 seconds, where as actual riding pants can last between 4-7 seconds while being slid across the pavement at 65 mph. So, even jeans just don’t seem to be enough anymore. Since there are so many great manufactures out there now making “cool” gear, you can surely find the right gear to keep you safe without looking like you are ready to battle the asphalt.
I agree on the Helmet and jacket as well. I have only pulled my helmet off while riding once. We were in Sturgis SD for Bike week, and I though I would give it a try to see what all of the fuss was about. I will say it was awesome, but way too dangerous for me to do. The jacket, on the other hand is a must.
when i was young and I rode outside the Law no crash helmet when possible.and all the hype about Let the rider decide.
well when I was 19 years old I was riding at night when a cop tryed to pull me over I hit the gas and had a crash and if i had not been wearing a helmet I would have been Killed as it was I did not walk again for 4 months .thanks to the helmet I have had 23 years of riding and still going strong so yes Let the rider decide .just show riders what happens if you go down without a crash hat on.London biker
Great article. I couldn’t agree more. It’s worth mentioning though, that equally important to the gear on the rider, is the gear on the bike. Make sure your motorcycle is equipped with the proper safety accessories: horn, lights, battery gauges, and reflective areas. Be seen, and be safe.
-BikerHiway
Norm is that a cigarette in your mouth. Did you start smoking again????? Or…is this a old picture???
I do agree that wearing a good helmet motorcycle is vital while riding…However I would like to know what brand of helmet motorcycle is the best?
hey tough guy!
did hear the famous leather jacket clearance sale this december?
i like how did you write this article. I like your post.
Well Lyndon you and I both know a secret then. When I see a client with no face and know that he would still have a face had he been wearing a full face helmet it is too late to say something.
I am against having the government tell us what we have to wear, but I do advocate wearing a helmet to be safe.
Norm
It is an old picture! On December 7, 2009 it will be two years of non smoking for me! However, just speaking about it makes me want to have a smoke!
Norm