FRIDAY, April 9 (HealthDayNews) -- Motorcyclists who wear light-colored helmets and bright clothing greatly reduce their risk of injury and death.

A New Zealand study in the April 10 issue of the British Medical Journal found that wearing reflective clothing, a white or light-colored helmet, and using headlights during the day can reduce serious injuries or death from motorcycle crashes by up to a third.

The study included 463 motorcyclists injured or killed in crashes and 1,233 motorcyclists who took part in random roadside surveys.

After factoring in age, weather conditions, risk-taking behaviors such as alcohol consumption, and riding experience, the study concluded that motorcyclists wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing had a 37 percent lower risk of being injured in a crash than other motorcyclists.

Wearing a white helmet, compared with a black helmet, was associated with a 24 percent lower risk. Daytime use of headlights was associated with a 27 percent lower risk.

Oddly, the study found no association, however, between the frontal color of a biker's clothing and the risk of crash injury.

More information

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has more about motorcycle safety.