Impact protectors cannot save you in a major collision, but they can reduce the severity of an injury.

You may still break your leg, but it's more likely to be a simple fracture (easier to treat) than a complex fracture. Impact protectors also prevent some apparently minor injuries such as chipped elbow, shoulder or knee bones, which are often more debilitating and require longer rehab than fractures.

Impact protectors will only work if they remain in place throughout a crash. Check to ensure you cannot move them around when your jacket or suit is fully fastened.

There are two applicable European standards for impact protectors: one for your limb and shoulders, and the other for back protectors.

Limb and shoulder protectors (EN 1621-1)
These are designed to provide protection against injuries involving the road surface. There are six shapes, each protecting a different part of the body, and two sizes (Type A and Type B). Type B is intended to cover the needs of most riders, but some may need the smaller Type A.

Make sure you choose the type that best fits your body. The wrong size may slide out of position and fail to protect you just when you need it.

Back protectors and lumbar protectors
(EN 1621-2) are intended to provide a shield against edges such as kerbs. While some 13% of motorcyclists sustain back injuries in crashes, the majority of these are caused by blows to the head or by bending and twisting of the back. A back protector will not prevent such an injury, but will provide an effective defencesome protection against bruises and strains (EN 1621-2, p 4).