According to last year’s statistics, motorcycle accident casualties in Bangladesh have increased by 71.35%. Among all motorized vehicles, motorcycle accidents often result in more severe damages because riders and pillions face a direct impact. To avoid injuries in such unforeseen incidents every biker and pillion should use helmets and other safety guards. 

Due to a lack of awareness and various misconceptions, many bikers still neglect to use helmets and consider gloves, elbow/knee guards, boots, and other safety gears as luxury items. This article insists at least one person should clear the misconceptions about safety gears and wear them while riding a motorcycle or traveling as a pillion.

Misconceptions About Riding Safety Gears

Let’s explore the prevalent misconceptions about safety gears:

1) Safety Gear is Only for Long Highway Rides

Many bikers believe that good-quality helmets and safety guards are necessary only for long highway rides, not for city or rural roads. They also think a low-quality bowl type helmet is sufficient to avoid fines at police checkpoints. 

However, accidents can happen on any road and in any situation. Research shows that most accidents occur on roads close to home and at low speeds. Certified helmets and safety gears can protect you from unexpected injuries.

2) Full-Face helmets and gears cause discomfort in summer season

As Bangladesh is a tropical country, many think that full-face helmets and other gears cause excessive heat and discomfort during rides. In reality, these helmets and gears have adequate ventilation systems and are designed to resist sunlight, ensuring a comfortable riding experience.

3) Safety Gears and Good Helmets Are Too Expensive

Many assume that safety gears and good-quality helmets are beyond their budget. However, with proper market research, it’s easy to find certified helmets and quality gears from reputable brands within budget. 

While it’s true that premium brands offer better safety, budget-friendly certified helmets and good-quality boots or gears are sufficient for adequate protection. As the American biking community often says, “Even a minor bike accident treatment can cost $5,000, but a good-quality riding jacket costs only $150.”

4) Experienced Riders Don’t Need Helmets or Gears

Some over confident individuals believe that experienced or so-called “pro-riders” don’t need helmets or gears. These peoples often discourage others from using safety gear. However, the reality aligns with an old saying: “The thief has ten days, but the householder has one day.” Many experienced riders acknowledge that wearing certified helmets and good-quality gears has saved their lives in severe accidents.

Conclusion

Certified helmets and safety gears are invaluable compared to the worth of your life. Whether you’re a rider or a pillion, always wear helmets and safety gear on any road. We hope every biker reaches their destination safely and soundly.

Regards - Team BikeBD