Making an Impact on Riding Safely

Introducing motorcycle air bag-like jackets

For years car manufacturers have perfected the airbag system in the motor vehicles that motorists drive every day to keep them safe. That same airbag system technology has now expanded to protect motorcyclists too. Impact Jackets, the motorcycle industry’s hottest item on the market today, are designed to protect motorcycle riders in the event of an accident. Following the concept of the ever popular elliptical machines and treadmills used for exercising, with a simple clip between the Impact Jacket and motorcycle, motorcyclists are provided a cushion when the jacket deploys should the rider and motorcycle part ways.

With so much focus on safety given the increase in motorcycle accidents, the Impact Jacket can really help reduce the number of fatalities. A recent crash victim in Baltimore shared his Impact Jacket experience and how it saved his life. (Read WBAL - TV Baltimore News Story)

Having been manufactured overseas, but tested in the U.S. by the Intertek ETL Entela, the same company that conducts the crash test dummies on motor vehicles, the Impact Jacket is of better quality than similar jackets tested in other countries though sold in the U.S. Testing in the U.S. market was important to owner, Charles Paige, who as a result, developed a heating system for the CO2 cartridge to ensure that the airbag system deploys just as quickly for those avid motorcyclists who ride in freezing temperatures. This new system has a rechargeable battery that holds a charge for 18 hours which not only keeps a rider safe during rides in the cold, winter months, but on long distance rides as well.

As this new technology makes it way through the motorcycle community, law enforcement and military personnel are also taking note of its safety benefits. Impact Jackets is the first motorcycle airbag company to build for the US Army. The “Army Strong Jacket” was designed and built as part of the US Army’s recruiting battalion to go along with a custom bike built by Orange County Choppers, complete with camouflage and hand grenades.

Impact Jackets are available in a variety of styles and colors and can be purchased through distributors at retail stores nationwide or online directly from the company. Impact Jackets are on display at tradeshows and conventions around the country throughout the year. An exclusive line for female motorcycle riders is being developed and will be available for viewing soon. Attendees at the 2008 PRO Convention will be able to view the jackets and ask questions of Impact Jackets representatives while there.