Every rider should be seen
Look twice for motorcycles.
Behind every helmet is a person. A motorcycle rider is someone’s family, friend or neighbour. When you’re behind the wheel, take a second look when changing lanes or turning, and be especially careful on highways.
A motorcycle accelerates and brakes much faster than the average vehicle, so a motorcyclist’s speed can be hard to assess. Their smaller size means riders can easily blend into their surroundings, being particularly difficult to see turning left in intersections, on highways, or at night.
A second look only takes a few seconds, and it could save a life.
Safety tips for riders
Wearing proper safety gear can reduce injuries if you are involved in a collision. Wear an approved helmet, eye protection, visible and protective clothing, and boots.
- Ride defensively, especially at dawn and dusk due to wildlife and reduced visibility.
- Ride with the flow of traffic and where you can see other drivers and they can see you. Never ride in other motorists’ blind spots.
- Always maintain a ‘bubble of safety’. Use a four-second following distance when following another vehicle (more if driving conditions are not ideal).
- Ride in a predictable manner. Don’t zigzag in and out of traffic.
- Always move into position well ahead of an intersection so that other road users know you are not going to turn.
- Never cut between lanes of traffic to pass.