Desert Living Now
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Highlights Lifesaving Gear and Rider Responsibility
As Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month gets underway, safety advocates are reminding riders and drivers alike to stay alert and protected on the road.
Cycle Gear President Stevan Popovich says there are three key principles every rider should follow: be mentally prepared, wear full protective gear, and obey the rules of the road.
“Being present and ready to ride is just as important as having the right equipment,” Popovich said, adding that both motorcyclists and drivers must share responsibility for roadway safety.
One of the biggest advancements in recent years is wearable airbag technology, highlighted through the Airbag Safe campaign. These systems are designed to deploy milliseconds before impact, reducing force on the body by as much as 90% or more.
Motorcycle crash survivor Guilherme Ortigoza shared how the technology saved his life after a vehicle ran a stop sign and struck him.
“I don’t think I’d be here today without my airbag and helmet,” Ortigoza said, recalling how the vest deployed just before impact and helped protect his neck and back.
Modern helmets have also evolved, with improved shell materials and internal padding designed to better absorb impact and reduce head injuries.
Experts say combining advanced gear with responsible riding habits can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury—making safety awareness more important than ever for riders this season.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 28, 2026
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