Safety is a state of mind. The evaluation of how an act or situation affects the well being of the individual begins as a default to self preservation and continues as an evaluation of the situation or act and the realities of probability. One’s attitude toward safety has as much to do with self image as it does with self preservation. How important peer pressure is to an individual plays heavily on his decisions when it comes to safety. Another factor that influences ones attitude toward safety is a person’s self confidence. People with high self confidence often believe in the danger of an action, but feel they will escape any adverse consequences because of their skill.

Safety as a “mind set� and the factors that influence that “mind set� are no better exhibited than in the use of motorcycles and ATVs. Intellectually every one agrees that adequate protective apparel should be worn when ridding a machine that propels the human body from 50 to 150 mph. However, the number of riders one sees wearing adequate protective apparel on a give day is appallingly small. The reason for the chasm between intellect and execution is the result of the individual’s attitude toward himself, his response to peer pressure, and sometimes convenience.

Safety as a state of mind is best exemplified by what a rider wears when the need arises to ride one’s motorcycle to the neighborhood store. How one answers the question: “is the trip really long enough to take the time to put on adequate protective apparel and what will people think of me if I do so?� defines that person’s attitude toward safety. It is easy to agree with what has been said up to this point. The challenge is to follow reason, not convenience, self image or peer pressure. When considering protective apparel, look for a company like Komodo Gear that designs products with a purpose, not for the sake of “style� or maximum sales. Purpose driven motorcycle apparel gives the rider a reason to “take the time� and “go against convention� to “dress for the fall; not the ride�!