Michigan Motorcycle – What is the required  Safety Gear

You’ve bought that shiny new motorcycle, taken a safety course, and are ready to hit the open road. But what else can you do to help protect yourself? Wear the right gear. Only approved helmets are required in some situations in Michigan. For safety reasons, it is advisable to wear face or eye protection and protective clothing.

Michigan Motorcycle Helmet Requirements

A Michigan motorcycle operator is required to wear an approved crash helmet unless he or she:

  • Is at least 21 years old,
  • Has at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits insurance in effect, and
  • Has held a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or has passed an approved motorcycle safety course.

The first two requirements also apply to passengers on a Motorcycle in Michigan.

There are three primary types of Motorcycle helmets:

  • The full-face gives the most head protection since it covers all of the head and face. This design has a flip-up face shield that protects the eyes.
  • Three-quarter helmet affords riders good head protection and is constructed with the same basic components but doesn’t offer the face and chin protection of full-face helmets.   It is advisable to wear an approved face shield or goggles with this type of helmet.
  • Half helmets provide the least amount of protection.

No matter which type you choose, make sure you get the most protection from your helmet, that it meets U. S. Department of Transportation and state standards, that it fits tight all the way around and that it has no visible defects such as cracks, loose padding or frayed straps.

Motorcycle Eye and face protection

Wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and debris was thrown up by other vehicles…you can protect yourself from these by wearing a face shield. A plastic shatter-resistant one will also help protect your face in the event of an accident. And goggles will protect your eyes if you’re not wearing a face shield.

To be effective, your eye and face protection must:

  • Be free of scratches
  • Be resistant to penetration
  • Afford a clear view to either side
  • Fasten securely so it won’t blow off
  • Allow air to pass through to alleviate fogging
  • Permit enough room for sunglasses or eyeglasses if needed

Michigan motorcycle Protective clothing requirement

The right clothing will help protect you in an accident, as well as protecting from heat, cold, debris, and hot and moving parts of your motorcycle.

Jacket and pants should cover arms and legs entirely and fit snugly enough to keep from flapping in the wind. The leather is the best protection, but sturdy synthetic materials are a good alternative. Boots or shoes should cover your ankles. Soles should be hard and slip-resistant; tuck laces in so they don’t get caught on your motorcycle. Gloves will give you a better grip and help protect your hands in an accident.

Wear the appropriate clothing for the weather you’ll be experiencing. If you’re too hot or too cold, you may not be able to control your motorcycle as well.

There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause you trouble. Making sure you have the right gear will help ensure that you have adequate protection should an accident occur.

Click the link to get information on the requirements for Michigan Motorcycle insurance. Call 248-277-4505 or get a Michigan Motorcycle Quote to get an affordable rate on your motorcycle insurance.