Tasmania Police seek to remind motorcycle riders of their extreme vulnerability on the road following a number of serious and fatal crashes involving motorcycles this year.
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Often over-represented in crashes are inexperienced riders, leisure riders, visitors and those without a licence or registration.
Tasmania Police recently conducted a week long focus on motorcyclist behaviour in an effort to raise awareness and reduce unsafe rider and driver behaviour on our roads.
Riders sometimes underestimate the level of risk they are exposed to and many ignore options that can assist them in reducing the risk; including riding at a safe speed, wearing protective clothing and being highly visible.
Some common causes for road crashes involving motorcycles are; excessive speed for the conditions, failing to negotiate left and right hand bends; collision at junctions, collision whilst overtaking and loss of control.
Town riding is very different to country riding and whilst you have to exercise skill and judgement for both, you need to apply them in a different way. The ever changing road conditions in country areas can test even the most experienced rider.
Never assume that just because you can see other road users, that they can see you. As a rider you need to know that many drivers have difficulty judging the speed of a motorcycle or even seeing a motorcycle.
Ride to be seen by others – this means factoring in sight lines and blind spots, theirs and not just yours.
Always dress appropriately for your ride, whether it's 30 degrees or pelting with rain. If it's too hot for protective clothing , then it's too hot to ride, no exceptions.
Finally police seek to remind riders that no matter who is at fault, the rider is likely to come off second best in the case of a crash.
For more information go to the Tasmanian Motorcycle Riders Handbook.