DKT- Riders make up over 16% of Victorian road deaths and serious injuries, but less than 1% of travel.
- Young or inexperienced riders are almost three times as likely to crash as experienced riders.
- You are almost twice as likely to crash in your first 8 months on the road.
Build skills gradually
Beginners meet more hazards than they imagine, and riders returning after a break will find more traffic, higher speeds and different motorcycles. Get used to daylight riding before you tackle night riding. Give yourself extra safety margins by slowing down, leaving more space and thinking well ahead. Keep your attitude in check: do not be overconfident, impatient, angry or upset.
Dangers that stay dangerous
- Alcohol: learners, probationary and restricted riders must have zero BAC. See alcohol, drugs and medical conditions.
- Other drugs: legal or illegal, they can leave you drowsy, dizzy or weak.
- Tiredness: riding is harder and more tiring than driving, and fatigue makes quick decisions harder and affects concentration, balance and vision.
- Relying on others: you are responsible for your own safety. Even in high-visibility clothing with eye contact, do not assume another road user has seen you.
Cutting down on tiredness
- Wear proper clothing: heat and dehydration tire you as surely as cold and rain.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Plan regular, frequent stops.
- Start well rested.
- Do not ride when you would normally be asleep.
Smooth riding is the safest way to ride, and it is almost impossible when you are tired. If you are not fully alert, avoid riding.
Next steps: intersections and being seen, riding at night, what to wear and the licence steps.
Based on The Victorian Rider Handbook (2023, Department of Transport and Planning) and the VicRoads motorcycle pages. This guide covers Victoria: other states and territories have different rules, and rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
When are new motorcycle riders most likely to crash?
The handbook says you are almost twice as likely to crash in your first 8 months on the road, and young or inexperienced riders are almost three times as likely as experienced riders.
How can I stop getting tired on a long motorcycle ride?
Wear proper protective clothing, avoid alcohol and drugs, plan regular frequent stops, start well rested and avoid riding when you would normally be asleep.