1. Wear A Helmet
If you only do one thing, this is it. Wear a proper helmet, no exceptions!
It's also best to wear closed in shoes and appropriate motorcycle clothing.
Thongs, board shorts and a singlet don't qualify.
Helmets reduce the chance of a crash fatality by 37%
2. Know your limits
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, get off the bike. Your brain is trying to keep you safe, listen to it! The prize for bravery could be a trip to the hospital.
50% of motorcycle crashes involve riders with less than 6 months riding experience.
3. Don't Drink & Ride
Not even 1 drink. Even if you’re an experienced rider, you’re overseas in an unfamiliar environment and need to be more alert than ever.
Almost half of all fatal accidents show that alcohol was involved.
4. Do NOT ride in or after rain
Rain adds another level of difficulty. Roads become slippery, visibility decreases, other vehicles will find it harder to see you and it takes longer to stop.
5. Be visible
Always make sure the vehicles around you can clearly see you, do not assume.
- Do not make any fast moves
- Assume cars will merge into your lane unexpectedly and without indicating
- Never linger next to a car or in their blindspot
- Be visible to cars behind you
- Watch a car's front wheel, not the driver
75% of motorcycle accidents involve a collision with another vehicle.
6. Ride defensively
You need to be actively anticipating the moves of the vehicles around you, the conditions of the road you are riding on, and any potential hazards on the edges of the road.
Motorcycle rider deaths were nearly 30 times more than drivers of other vehicles.
7. Know the rules of the country
Road rules aren't universal, they change from country to country. Nor are liability rules, if something goes wrong, even if you aren't in the wrong, you may need to pay compensation or be subject to other legal penalties in that country.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_safety
https://motorcycleaccident.org/motorcycle-accidents-statistics-and-possible-causes
https://sumorubber.com/how-to-choose-the-right-motorcycle-for-you
This content is only to be used for informational purposes. Please do your own research before travelling. 2019 Fast Cover Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Consider the PDS. Issued by Hollard Insurance.