Motorists
The majority of motorcycle crashes that involve another vehicle, happen because the other driver failed to see or give way to the motorcyclist.
The most common reason other vehicle drivers give for their involvement in motorcycle crashes is “looked, but didn’t see him”.
Nearly 70 per cent of all collisions at intersections involving a motorcycle and a vehicle are the fault of the driver of the vehicle.
Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than car drivers, so more likely to be hurt in a crash.
The New Zealand Travel Survey indicates that, on average, the risk of being involved in fatal or injury crash is more than 18 times higher for a motorcyclist than car driver.
You can reduce the risk you pose to motorcyclists by checking your blind spots carefully and taking extra care at intersections, when pulling out and when turning.
There are more motorcycles on the road and the prediction is that registrations will continue to increase. Help make the roads safer for all other users by looking out for them.
Motorcyclists
Research has shown that wearing high visibility gear – fluorescent clothing, white helmets – reduces a motorcyclist’s risk.
The more visible you are, the less likely it is that a driver will not see you and the less chance there is of being hit.
Never assume a driver has seen you. Position yourself so drivers of other vehicles will see you. Get to know their blind spots and stay out of them.
Don’t weave between lanes in heavy traffic and try to stay long enough in each driver’s rear vision mirror to make sure they have seen you.
Good gear can prevent or reduce injuries in a crash by over half. Always wear appropriate safety gear when riding.
Whatever your level, training will make you a better rider. As well as improving your handling skills, it will increase your ability to scan ahead for hazards, which will reduce your risk of being involved in a crash.
Visit www.rideforever.co.nz for information about training courses near where you live, delivered by bikers for bikers.
Always ride to the conditions. Ride and corner at safe speeds and drive no faster than a speed at which you can stop in the clear space ahead of you.
Ride defensively and ride forever!
Safe riding habits
Have a suspicious 'on-road' attitude. Trust no-one and assume nothing.
Scan for hazards by looking well ahead, behind and beside you. Use your mirrors frequently.
Maintain a safety zone free of all hazards.
If you ride faster or slower than the flow of traffic you become a hazard.
Identify an escape route in front of you at all times.
Ride with your lights on day and night.
Make sure other drivers can see you at all times. As a motorcyclist, you can't control other drivers, so make it your responsibility to be seen. We recommend:
Always follow the 'two-second rule'. In wet conditions, follow the 'four-second rule'.
Ride and corner at a safe speed, no faster than a speed at which you can stop in the clear space ahead of you.
Do not ride up in between vehicles at intersections. The risk does not justify any time saved.
Do not weave between vehicles on multi-lane roads. It is illegal and dangerous. Remain within your own lane and practice safe following distances.
If you have had no formal instruction on how to ride, take a refresher course to improve your skills. Visit www.rideforever.co.nz for information about training courses.
Most motorcycle crashes in Auckland happen at intersections.
Continuously scan ahead for intersection traffic.
Always ensure that traffic waiting to turn at the intersection ahead can clearly see you. Be aware that you and your motorcycle might be in the blind spot generated by the vehicle in front.
When approaching intersections you need to be clearly visible to all turning traffic at all times. You may need to adjust your approach position, depending on whether traffic is waiting to turn from the left or the right.