Protect Your Eyes

PROTECT YOUR EYES

IT'S THE LAW

Required Use of Motorcycle Eye Protection Device. Most State laws provide that, regardless of age, operators and, in some cases, passengers of motorcycles wear an eye protection device (e.g., goggles) while operating or riding on a motorcycle.

“Florida State Statue 316.211 Equipment for motorcycle and moped riders (2) A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes of a type approved by the department.” A windshield is not a substitute for a face shield or goggles. Most windshields will not protect your eyes from the wind.

A plastic face shield can help protect your whole face in a crash. It also protects you from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects, and pebbles thrown up from cars ahead. These problems are distracting and can be painful.
Goggles protect your eyes, though they won't protect the rest of your face like a face shield does.

To be effective, eye or face shield protection must:
• Be free of scratches.
• Be resistant to penetration (shatter proof).
• Give a clear view to either side.
• Fasten securely, so it does not blow off.
• Permit air to pass through, to reduce fogging.
• Permit enough room for eyeglasses or sunglasses, if needed.

Dark tinted eye protection (sunglasses) should not be worn at night or any other time when little light is available. Although I find yellow tinted glasses enhance lights when night riding.
Polarized lens while good for reducing glare can inhibit your ability to distinguish road hazards like fuel spills on the highway. Don’t forget about UV protection.

www.hsmv.state.fl.us/handbooks/Motorcycles/5chapter_201.html
www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/airbags/summ_vehoccupant/introduction.htm