The Benefits and Purpose of Wearing a Bulletproof Vest

Yes, while it is common to own body armor for personal protection, most civilian users tend to wear it on a case-by-case basis like any other form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

A wide range of people benefit from bulletproof vests, from motorcyclists to bull riders, each finding different purposes in their use. Tens of millions of people own some form of body armor, ranging from old surplus flack jackets and police vests to flexible rifle armor that can cost thousands of dollars.

Uncommon Uses of Bulletproof Vests

An interesting use of body armor is by motorcyclists. They can protect their backs from high-speed road rash in case of an accident. Surplus police vests are often much cheaper than fancy racing gear, and they offer considerably more protection, adding the bonus of defending against potential bullets from bikejackers during stoplight thefts.

Bull riders and rodeo clowns also opt for ballistic Kevlar vests. These protect them from a bull's horn fatal goring during rodeos. For the average person, the most common purchasers of ballistic vests are concerned citizens who own them “just in case,” similar to owning fire extinguishers, guns, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), Epi-Pens, etc.

For instance, my briefcase and rolling bag for work both have ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) panels sewn in. These could be used as shields in the event of a robbery or civil unrest without much trouble.

The Importance of Protection

The old saying goes, “An ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.” This rings true as the U.S. body armor market is projected to exceed $1 billion this year. Considering that there are around 300,000 cops who buy a new vest every 5 to 7 years, this means there are over a million new body armor purchasers each year. It's not surprising to find out that 20-30 million Americans own some form of ballistic armor.

Understanding Bulletproof Vests

There is a common misconception that there are actual “bulletproof” vests. The most accurate term is a “bullet resistant vest.” The primary purpose of wearing one is to reduce the severity of injury from being shot in the torso. It is not common for non-threatened individuals to regularly wear bulletproof vests, as they are typically reserved for those at high risk of getting shot.

As for myself, I got one in 1999 in case we did not adequately fix the Year 2000 computer issue. Thankfully, we did, and have never needed or desired to use it since.

However, for those in professions or situations that place them at higher risk, bulletproof vests can provide invaluable peace of mind and protection. Whether for work, personal safety, or during critical moments, wearing a bulletproof vest can significantly reduce the risk of severe bodily injury, potentially saving lives.