The Pros and Cons of Wearing Tinted Visors or Sunglasses While Riding a Motorcycle

When it comes to motorcycle riding, safety should always be a top priority. The debate over whether tinted visors or sunglasses are useful or potentially dangerous during an accident is a common one among riders. In this article, we will delve into the arguments from both sides and provide insights based on personal experience and expert opinions.

The Argument for Clear Visors and Sunglasses

Many riders advocate for clear visors and sunglasses, citing the flexibility and adaptability they offer. As mentioned by a rider who has experienced numerous falls, clear visors and sunglasses allow the rider to easily flip up their visor for a break while still maintaining eye protection. Riding with clear visors and sunglasses provides an uninterrupted view of the road, enabling the rider to react quickly to any hazards.

[Example from the source text]

“I always opt for a clear visor and sunglasses. And at night I’d wear clear safety glasses. It allows you to flip up your visor to get some air and still have eye protection. I can’t see any potential of it being dangerous in an accident. I've had many many falls and it was never an issue.”

The Legal and Safety Implications of Tinted Visors

Tinted visors can legally be used, but only during the daytime. The misconception that tinted visors enhance night vision is a dangerous fallacy. According to many driving regulations, tinted visors may not be used after sunset. The primary purpose of tinted visors in a motorcycle helmet is to reduce glare and improve visibility on sunny days. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of tinted visors at night is questionable, and some experts argue they may pose a safety risk by reducing peripheral vision and contrast sensitivity.

[Example from the source text]

“Visors can legally be tinted to a 50% reduction in light but for daytime use only. It is a dangerous fallacy to believe that night vision can be enhanced by tinting.”

The Importance of Eye Protection and Individual Incidents

In most states, eye protection is a mandatory requirement for motorcycle riders. The article highlights a serious incident where an object hit a rider's forehead at 70 mph, resulting in significant injury. This underscores the critical role of proper and effective eye protection.

[Example from the source text]

“Ive had what I assume were beetles hit my forehead at 70 mph and draw blood. I can’t imagine the damage if one hit my eye.”

Also worth noting is the personal experience of a rider who had a head-on crash with a roundabout. The potential consequences of not wearing a proper helmet are far more severe than the risk associated with tinted visors. Some riders opt for helmets with dual visors that can be adjusted, providing flexibility in sunny and shaded conditions.

[Example from the source text]

“I have a helmet with ‘double visors’. I'm not going to name the brand because there are several that have started doing it. Basically, it has the normal clear visor and there's a slider thing on top of the helmet that drops a tinted visor down behind the clear one. Useful if you're rolling on a sunny day and you go into a tunnel say. On some flip up lids you can just have tinted visor down to protect your eyes.”

Conclusion

While tinted visors or sunglasses can offer some benefits, the overall consensus from expert opinion and personal experience is that they are generally safe when used during the day and can enhance visibility in certain conditions. However, safety should always be the primary focus, and the use of a proper helmet that also includes appropriate eye protection is crucial. The potential for reducing peripheral vision and contrast sensitivity at night with tinted visors remains a concern, and riders should consider the specific conditions they are likely to encounter.

Keywords: motorcycle safety, tinted visors, sunglasses for motorcycles