Why Do Motorcycle Cops Really Wear Leather Jackets?

By Staff Reporter - 01 Oct '19 20:50PM
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  • Why Do Motorcycle Cops Really Wear Leather Jackets?
  • (Photo : Image by Kosti Keistinen )

When you think of someone riding a motorcycle, you probably picture them wearing a leather jacket. This, of course, is pretty common - even cops who are tasked with riding motorcycles wear leather jackets. But leather jackets do more than just look cool or add to the stereotypical "biker look." Leather jackets keep motorcyclists safe, but how?

Provides warmth

One way leather jackets keep motorcycle cops safe is by providing warmth. Even if it isn't cold outside, it can feel much colder when riding on a motorcycle. And cops are usually out on patrol for long periods of time, so they need to be kept warm. This can also be helpful if they have to stop for a while or are posted somewhere where they are aren't moving and it's chilly outside. Cops don't wear a lot of layers in order to move easily, which is why leather women's or men's motorcycle jackets are a great choice for providing warmth as needed.

Fall protection

Perhaps the most important role a leather jacket plays is protection in case of an accident or a fall. Motorcycle cops are exposed, unlike people in cars. So if they're involved in an accident or they fall on the road, there is a high risk of injury. If someone on a motorcycle is wearing just a t-shirt and they fall on the road, there's a good chance that their arms are going to sustain abrasions -  their skin can even get shredded and ripped off. Leather jackets provide a layer of protection between a rider's skin and the road. This can help reduce the risk of cuts, burns, and even bruises. While leather jackets may not be able to completely protect a rider in an accident or fall, they do significantly reduce the risk of injuries and the severity of injuries.

Safe from the elements

Along with providing warmth and protection in the event of an accident, leather jackets can also protect motorcycle cops from external elements. Things like wind, rain, and even bugs can be dangerous and painful when riding a motorcycle. When motorcycle cops wear a leather jacket, they can have a protective layer between them and these potentially harmful elements. This is especially important when they're riding at high speeds while on the job - these elements can possibly cause a rider to lose control of their bike, so having protection is crucial.

Other important motorcycle safety gear

While a leather jacket is certainly an important piece of safety equipment for motorcycle cops, it's not the only one. There are a variety of safety gear pieces that anyone riding a motorcycle should utilize. A helmet is perhaps the most important piece of safety equipment. Not only can helmets protect a rider's face from wind and bugs when on a bike, but they are crucial in protecting a rider's head in the event of an accident. Without a proper helmet, motorcyclists risk serious injuries in an accident. Along with a durable helmet, motorcyclists should also invest in some high-quality 5.11 tactical boots. While footwear may not seem as important as other safety pieces, boots play a big role in protection - boots can protect a rider's ankles from injuries, provide a proper grip in slick conditions, and be a strong barrier between the rider's skin and the ground if they fall. And lastly, gloves are also important for safety. Wearing gloves allows riders to have a strong and comfortable grip on the bike as well as providing protection if they fall and put their hands out to catch themselves.

When it comes to riding motorcycles, safety is key. Motorcycle cops utilize the proper safety equipment so they can keep themselves safe while protecting others. Leather jackets and biker boots do more than add aesthetics - they can make an immense difference in the risk of injuries while riding a motorcycle.

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* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of newseveryday.com

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