Motorcycle crash risks*
In 2006 there were 47 rider fatalities and 872 rider serious injuries. This is a reduction in road trauma compared to 2005 (49 fatalities and 902 serious injuries) but an increase from 2003 (37 fatalities and 841 serious injuries).
The number of motorcycles on the road has increased from around 90,000 at March 2000 to 130,000 by mid 2007. Part of this increase involves riders in their 30s, 40s and 50s coming back to riding or starting out for the first time, resulting in their increased involvement in crashes. It is also likely to reflect an increasing number of scooters being ridden on our roads. Scooter sales increased from 372 in 2002 to 1881 in 2006.
Main risk factors
The main risk factors for motorcycle riders are:
- inexperience and insufficient skills, particularly hazard awareness
- adverse road conditions
- riding unfamiliar motorcycles
- lack of driver awareness of motorcyclists
- alcohol and drugs
- inappropriate speed
- fatigue.
Some road conditions that present little danger for car drivers such as potholes, gravel, leaves/branches and deterioration of the road surface create special problems for riders. Features such as lack of visibility or obstructions, poor road markings and sharp curves can also create hazards for motorcyclists.
Safe control of a motorcycle places great demands on the rider and requires different skills and tactics compared with driving a car. The most important skills and tactics for motorcycle riders are:
- anticipation and recognition of potential hazards
- the ability to brake and corner safety and effectively.
“Unriders” have a high risk of fatal crashes
The levels of unlicensed riding and the use of unregistered motorcycles are relatively high compared with car drivers. The term “unrider” is often used to describe this group (un-licensed and un-registered). They are over-represented in fatal crashes relative to riders complying with the law.
Fatigue is a significant safety risk for riders
Getting tired (or fatigued) either mentally or physically is also an important factor in motorcycle crashes. This is recognised as a problem for car drivers but often not for riders.
Touring riders, who often ride for long periods, are especially susceptible to fatigue due to greater physical exertion when compared to driving a car and the added effects of exposure to the elements and dehydration.
For riders who have any kind of sleeping problem (older males have very high rates of sleeping problems) or who have not had a good night’s sleep, fatigue is an even bigger risk.
*Source: VicRoads statistics as at November 2007
