Motorcyclists in Victoria are being reminded to wear safety gear when on the roads, following the results of a new survey.
The annual 2021 Motorcycle Safety Monitor Report by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), surveyed almost 1,000 riders and found nearly all wear a helmet ‘all the time’ (96 per cent) and just over half (55 per cent) of respondents said they wear proper motorcycle riding pants every ride. The wearing of boots on every ride has declined (76 per cent in 2020 compared to 68 per cent in 2021).
TAC research shows contusions, abrasions and lacerations are the second-most common type of injury sustained from on-road motorcycle crashes in Victoria, behind fractured limbs.
“It is encouraging that most Victorian riders wear their safety gear most of the time,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll.
“But it’s those short trips, warm weather rides, and work commutes where we want to see more riders protecting themselves.
“The unexpected can happen at any time and that’s why it’s so important to wear the protective gear you have, on every ride – if you’ve got the gear, wear it.”
The findings come as Victorian motorcycle riders share stories of when protective gear has saved their lives, as part of a new campaign urging their fellow riders to gear up every time they hit the road.
The Victorian Government and TAC have launched ‘The Gear Box’, a digital media campaign, which tells the story of five motorcycle riders who have experienced road trauma that would have been worse, if not for their safety gear.
