The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Biker Safety: Turn Signal Jackets
March 4, 2010

Many bikers may disagree but the most important thing about motorcycles is safety. If motorcycle rider safety is not the first thing on a biker’s mind when he twists the throttle, then that is a major problem. Bikers need to realize that the safer they ride, the better everyone will be.

Anything a biker can do to ride more safely is a positive thing. Wearing a DOT motorcycle helmet, adding lights to the bike, taking a motorcycle rider safety course, wearing reflective material, and avoiding riding while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication are all great things.

But how far is too far?

As many motorcycles adopt more of a chopper style, turn signals have been getting smaller. Some bikers opt to remove their turn signal lights completely Traditionally, choppers do not have turn signal lights and bikers would use motorcycle hand signals to indicate to other motorists their intentions. This is fine in the day but what about at night?

There are components readily available to make an entirely new line of safety apparel that may or may not hit motorcycle stores in the near future: motorcycle jackets with integrated turn signals.

My first response was to laugh but there may be some merit to these items. While I don’t think I would ever buy one, this could be a product that finds a niche among certain motorcyclists.

The concept is very simple. By sewing in a few electronic items and LED lights, the turn signal jacket can be created within an existing motorcycle jacket or vest. Also, this item could be created as a vest to be worn over a motorcycle jacket. The signals operate with simple push button controls to turn the signals off and on.

Creating more visibility is a great thing for bikers so this concept has merit. However, I don’t like the fact that the jacket would create another set of controls the biker would have to monitor.

If integrated properly into a jacket, this actually could be a viable product. There are apparel items available with integrated LED lights so this concept is not without precedent. Only time will tell if this trend catches on.