Motorcycle Safety Part 2: Proper Eye And Face Protection
Motorcycle safety starts with the helmet — but that’s not where it should stop. Using guidelines provided by the New York DMV to help riders take the safe road, this second installment in our motorcycle safety series will address proper eye and face protection.
Glasses or sunglasses are far from sufficient, as they offer no real protection and they won’t stop your eyes from watering; they may even get blown off your head. Goggles aren’t much better: they shield your eyes but don’t provide the necessary coverage to your whole face. And even a partial windshield falls short in blocking the wind and adequate protection.
All that taken into consideration, the best protection for both your eyes and face is a plastic, shatter-resistant, full-face shield. It will guard you from dust, dirt, wind, insects, flying rocks kicked back from vehicles in front, and inclement weather. Those elements are not only dangerous to your face but also distracting. If a bug or a piece of dirt flies into your eye it certainly will pull your attention off of the road, endangering yourself and everyone around you.
When looking for an adequate face shield, find one that has the following:
- Is secure against puncture or breakage
- Provides a clear view on all sides
- Does not have scratches
- Securely fastens to your helmet
- Allows air to move through it, minimizing fogging of the glass
- Provides ample room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if necessary
- Is not tinted unless used during day time
For our next post regarding motorcycle safety, we will discuss the proper clothing motorcyclists should utilize for riding. Contact the motorcycle accident injury lawyers in New York at Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP, at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation if you have been injured as a motorcyclist in an accident you believe to be the fault of another motorist.
