Fashion shows true cost of crashing

A British road safety campaign highlights how fashionable “distressed” clothing may look good, but has a high cost in motorcycle crashes.

The campaign by the Government-run Highways England, which manages UK main roads, features young shoppers admiring “distressed” clothing.

Instead of the labels showing a monetary price, they show the true cost in terms of injuries and lifestyle effects of motorcycle crashes.

Higher cost

Highways England spokesman Stuart Lovatt says the mental and physical cost of not wearing the right motorcycle gear can be far greater than the financial cost.

“Most young riders will come off their bikes at some point – whether you have popped round the corner for a pint of milk or you are riding further afield to see friends or get to college, you need to be prepared,” he says.

The campaign is aimed at young people who might consider themselves invincible and choose fashion above safety.

ATGATT versus choice

While we can understand the desires of riders to choose their own level of protection and, on occasions, choose style and comfort ahead of “All The Gear All The Time” (ATGATT), new safety gear provides comfort and safety.

Gone are the days when riders had to cocoon themselves in stiff leathers and stormtrooper boots to be protected.

Many of today’s motorcycle apparel manufacturers offer jeans, jackets, gloves, boots and helmets that are comfortable, cool, weatherproof and protective.

If riders don’t start taking some responsibility for their own protection, we fear authorities may start to mandate protective clothing as they have done with hi-vis vests for novice riders in Victoria and France.

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