Indian Motorcycle Scout, Rider'S Manual

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10
Safety
Safe Riding Practices
Protective Apparel
Wear protective apparel to decrease the risk of injury and increase riding comfort.
• Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established
safety standards. Approved helmets in the USA and
Canada bear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
label. Laws in some areas require that you wear an
approved helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of
fatalities in accidents involving motorcycles. Statistics
prove that an approved helmet is the most effective
protection in preventing or reducing head injuries.
• Wear eye protection to protect eyes from wind or airborne
particles and objects. Laws in some areas require that you
wear eye protection. We recommend that you wear
approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing
markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure
protective eyewear is kept clean.
• All riders should wear bright or light-colored and/or
reflective clothing to improve visibility to other motorists.
A motorist's failure to see or recognize a motorcycle is the
leading cause of automobile/motorcycle accidents.
• Wear gloves, a jacket, heavy boots and long pants to
prevent or reduce injury from abrasions, lacerations or
burns should the motorcycle fall. Wear boots with low
heels, as high heels can catch on pedals or footrests. The
combination of boots and pants should completely cover
legs, ankles and feet, protecting skin from engine and
exhaust system heat.
• Do not wear loose, flowing clothing or long boot laces, as
they can catch on handlebars, levers or footrests, or they
can become entangled in the wheels, causing loss of
control and serious injury.